K52b 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 

OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


^l^^t^XM^^i^i^^ 


iieelieg  of  ffie  Ijik^s 


A    STORV 


FORTY  YEARS  IN  ODD  FELLOWSHIP, 


CYKUS  HAMLIN  KIL13Y, 

p.    G.    AND    P.    C.     P. 

Fli^ST    :EX:)XTIOI^T. 


I'OKTI.ANI): 
PrnijsiiKii  i:v  thk  yVuTiiuH. 


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PECK,    PHOTO.,   PORTLAND. 


BINDING  OF  THE  LINKS 


A  STORY  OF 


FORTY  YEARS  IN  ODD  FELLOWSHIP 


OTEUS   HAMLI]:^  KILBY 

p.    G.    AND  P.   C.    P. 


IFIiaST    ZEIDITIOIsr 


PORTLAISTD 
Published  by  the  Author 


Entered  according  to  the  act  of  Congress  in  the  year  1889, 

By  CYRUS  HAMLIN  KILBY, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


From  Press  of  Chas.  Paine, 
Portland,  Maine. 


PREFACE. 


The  Author  does  not  deem  it  necessary  to  inform 
the  reader  why  he  has  written  this  book.  It  is  obvious 
to  the  mind  of  every  true  Odd  Fellow.  Forty  years' 
membership  in  such  a  noble  and  humane  institution  as 
ours  is  a  history  good  or  bad  if  never  written.  If  the 
brother  has  been  a  worthy,  active  and  useful  member  of 
the  Order,  his  life  record  will  benefit  those  who  come 
after  him,  and  it  is  profitable  to  preserve  and  transmit 
it  to  the  generations  that  follow. 

Whatever  there  is  brought  out  in  the  experience  of 
the  writer,  concerning  his  days  of  trial  and  adversity, 
as  well  as  those  of  prosperity,  to  give  joy  and  inspire 
courage  to  others,  while  passing  through  like  experi- 
ences, is  dispensed  with  an  honest  purpose  and  open 
hand  for  the  advantage  and  profit  of  all. 

The  writer  does  not  arrogate  to  himself  greater 
honor  or  deference  than  that  which  belongs  to  other 
faithful  Odd  Fellows,  who  have,  like  himself,  "seen  years 
and  witnessed  many  solemn  changes."  The  title  of 
"  veteran"  for  long  years  spent  in  any  civic  or  military 
service  or  philanthropic  cause  is  an  honorable  title, 
and  rightfully  claims  respect. 

There  are  living  to-day  scores  of  worthies  who  be- 
came strong  pillars  in  the  temple  of  Odd  Fellowship 
years  before  the  writer  was  initiated  into  its  mysteries. 
Some  of  them  are  walking  our  streets  with  bent  forms 
and  tottering  steps.    They  have  passed  their  tlu^ee  score 


4  PREFACE. 

years  and  ten,  and  are  nearing  the  extreme  age  of  man. 
Some  of  them  have  given  the  young  and  middle  aged 
brothers  of  the  Order  the  benefit  of  their  long  experi- 
ences by  pen ;  others  have  lived  it  by  word  and  deed. 
Their  entry  into  the  Order  was  at  a  later  period  in  their 
lives  than  that  of  the  writer;  their  forty  years  veteran 
title  came  when  they  were  past  service  and  no  longer  en- 
gaged in  the  active  duties  of  lodge  work.  They  have 
faithfully  performed  the  duties  of  their  time  and  are 
now  reaping  the  rewards  of  well-doing. 

The  forty  years  sj^ent  in  the  Order  by  the  writer  have 
not  dispossessed  him  of  his  mental  or  physical  powers. 
The  experience  of  those  years  has  furnished  material 
for  writing  a  book  to  please  and  instruct  a  large  number 
of  brothers  and  friends  scattered  throughout  New  Eng- 
land and  other  States. 

The  book  contains  no  dry  statistics  concerning  the 
Order.  Those  matters  have  been  correctly  and  thor- 
oughly compiled  b}"  the  able  Grand  Secretary,  Theodore 
A.  Ross,  m  the  "History  of  Odd  Fellowship."  This  is 
a  book  of  simple  narrative ;  a  real  life  picture  ;  not  over- 
drawn, but  made  up  of  extracts  from  the  writer's 
journal  and  reminiscences. 

The  story  is  told  in  an  every-day  style,  just  as  it 
would  be  when  seated  among  the  brothers  in  a  cosy 
lodge-room  on  a  long  wintry  evening.  The  words  em- 
ployed express  the  true  ideas  and  intent  of  what  the 
writer  desires  to  communicate,  and  his  hope  is  that  every 
brother  into  whose  hands  the  book  comes  will  read  it 
carefully,  give  countenance  to  every  good  and  honest 
thought,  and  throw  the  mantle  of  charity  over  all  its 
imperfections.  c.  h.  k. 


BINDING  OF  THE  LINKS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

EARLY   LITE   OF   THE   WRITER. 

The  author  of  this  book  was  born  November  29, 1828, 
in  a  small  thriving  village  on  the  border  section  of 
Maine,  in  Washington  County,  twenty-two  miles  fi-om 
the  county  seat.  A  pleasant  three  hours  drive  from  his 
home,  on  a  mid-summer  day,  brings  to  view  that  historic 
spot  known  as  the  "jumping-off  place,"  away  down 
East.  Just  across  the  British  Channel  lies  Campobello, 
St.  Andrews,  Grand  Menan,  and  other  territory  belong- 
ing to  Her  Majesty's  Dominions. 

The  early  life  of  the  narrator  was  quietly  passed,  like 
that  of  many  other  boys,  in  country  villages,  in  living 
under  the  parental  roof  and  attending  school,  sur- 
rounded by  wholesome  influences.  There  was  no  lack 
in  moral  or  religious  training  to  fit  a  boy  for  a  useful 
and  noble  life.  His  father  and  mother  were  the  best 
parents  in  the  world.  They  were  God-loving  and  God- 
serving  parents.  Though  many  years  have  passed  since 
their  voices  were  hushed,  and  their  eyes  closed  in  death, 
their  christian  influence  still  lives,  and  hundreds  of  good 
men  and  women  have  risen  up  to  pronounce  blessing  on 
their  names  and  deeds. 

At  quite  an  early  age,  the  writer  had  an  aspiration 
for  newspaper  work.  The  hardship  imposed,  and  the 
dread  which  came  into  the  experience  of  many  scholars 


6  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

of  olden  times,  when  required  to  originate  and  read  tlieir 
own  literary  productions,  as  one  of  the  regular  school 
exercises,  became  an  easy  and  pleasant  pastime  to  him. 
The  more  frequently  engaged  in,  the  more  agreeable  the 
work,  and  better  performed.  His  efforts  were  often- 
times rewarded  by  words  of  commendation  from  the 
"school-master,"  who  never  wasted  words  in  praising 
that  which  failed  to  come  up  to  his  standard  of  merit. 

The  fondness  for  writing  continued  to  grow  with  ad- 
vancing years.  It  was  the  proudest  moment  in  an  old 
journalist's  life  when  his  eye  fell  upon  the  first  article 
penned  by  him  in  print,  in  a  country  newspaper.  So  it 
was  with  the  writer,  when  liis  first  public  production  ap- 
peared in  a  temperance  journal,  published  in  Portland, 
nearly  forty-five  years  ago.  Those  carefully  spelled 
words,  formed  into  sentences  and  paragraphs,  occupied 
two  and  a  half  squares  in  the  city  newspaper.  They 
have  been  sacredly  preserved  in  a  highly-prized  scrap 
book,  and  to-day  show  as  bright  and  readable  as  when 
clipx3ed  from  the  paper  long  years  ago. 

The  gracious  editor-in-chief,  into  whose  hands  were 
committed  the  destinies  of  all  aspiring  young  newspaper 
correspondents,  kindly  allowed  the  products  of  this  ju- 
venile brain  to  "pass  over"  the  waste-basket  into  the 
hands  of  the  typos,  to  be  "  set  up  "  for  the  press,  and 
go  forth  and  be  read  by  men  and  women  everywhere. 
Whether  or  not  it  was  for  the  benefit  of  the  newspa})er 
fraternity,  or  the  reading  public,  in  after  years  that  en- 
couragement was  given  the  writer  to  try  again,  must  be 
decided  by  the  influence  which  has  been  exerted  on  the 
minds  and  character  of  those  Avho  read  and  were  governed 
by   the    opinion  expressed  by  the  correspondent  and 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  7 

editor  of  a  number  of  newspapers  that  have  been  and 
now  are  published  in  the  Dirigo  State. 

A   CHANGE   OF    SITUATION. 

In  1849  the  writer  left  his  home,  parted  from  school- 
mates and  old  associates,  leaving  for  others  the  work  in 
the  store,  in  the  counting-room,  and  among  the  mail- 
bags,  where  he  had  many  years  served  the  public.  In- 
terested relatives,  and  a  position  more  acceptable,  in- 
clined him  to  seek  a  new  home  among  strangers  in  a 
foreign  land  far  away,  in  the  city  of  Halifax,  Nova 
Scotia,  now  in  the  Dominion  of  Canada. 

The  journey  to  the  new  place  of  abode  was  full  of  ad- 
ventures. It  required  hours  of  slow,  tedious  traveling 
in  a  one-horse  mail  wagon  to  reach  the  extreme  bound- 
ary town,  where  passengers,  mails  and  all  movable  arti 
cles  were  transferred  to  the  ferry  boat,  which  was 
propelled  by  stout  men,  pulling  at  the  oars,  across  the 
bay  to  St^  Andrews,  New  Brunswick,  where  an  apology 
for  a  team  was  in  waiting  to  convey  the  three  timid 
human  beings  with  their  personal  effects  and  Her  Maj- 
esty's mail  over  a  long,  dismal  road  to  St.  John.  It 
was  the  rainy  season  in  December.  The  darkness  of 
night  and  the  howling  of  the  winds,  accompanied  by  a 
pelting  rain,  made  the  situation  anything  but  an  agree- 
able one.  The  warm  fur  coat  and  thick  wrappings, 
which  were  closely  fastened  to  protect  the  body  from 
the  sharp  north  winds,  became  burdensome  when  soaked 
with  rain  and  stiffened  by  the  frigid  atmosphere. 

When  arriving  at  a  stream  which  separates  the  turn- 
pike, the  weary  horse  came  to  a  stand-still  and  refused 
to  proceed,  even  when  urged  by  the  sharp  cut  of  the 


8  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

driver's  whip.  The  reason  for  his  halting  was  quickly 
ascertained  by  the  disappearance  of  the  bridge,  which 
had  been  carried  away  by  the  freshet.  On  learning 
this  fact,  the  occupants  of  the  wagon  became  quite 
alarmed,  as  there  appeared  no  visible  way  for  crossing 
the  stream.  Fording  it  would  be  impossible.  There 
was  but  one  dwelling  house  in  the  vicinity,  and  that 
was  quite  a  long  distance  away.  Time  was  rapidly  pass- 
ing. The  inclement  weather  necessitated  prompt  ac- 
tion. The  man  with  wife  and  daughter  was  delegated 
to  make  quick  steps  to  obtain  assistance,  and  bring  a 
light.  The  writer  stood  by  the  horse  and  kept  things  as 
snug  as  possible,  while  the  man  of  whip  and  reins 
viewed  the  surroundings. 

It  was  not  long  before  the  cheering  rays  from  the 
lantern  shone  upon  the  despondent  party.  Mr.  Jones 
and  his  two  "grown-up  sons"  accompanied  the  messen- 
ger, and  joined  the  travelers  in  a  "committee  of  the 
whole,"  to  devise  ways  and  means  to  help  the  unfortun- 
ate ones  out  of  their  sad  dilemma.  By  the  aid  of  the 
lantern,  it  was  ascertained  that  a  portion  of  the  bridge 
structure  was  anchored  a  short  distance  down  the  stream, 
and  would  afford  a  safe  passage  for  the  people  to  cross 
the  water.  It  was  with  heart-felt  joy  that  their  hopes 
w^ere  fully  realized.  Each  person,  in  turn,  stepped  cau- 
tiously upon  the  vacillating  timbers,  and  breathlessly 
tip-toed  over  the  turbid  water  and  landed  safely  on  the 
opposite  shore. 

The  next  important  work  to  be  accomplished  was  to 
convey  the  mails  across  without  subjecting  the  carrier 
to  a  fine  for  getting  them  wet.  In  order  to  prevent 
such  a  penal  offence,  it  was  necessary  to  cover  the  bags, 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  V 

and  more  particularly  the  seal  bearing  the  broad  "  R," 
which  was  affixed  by  the  post-office  officials  at  the 
boundary  office.  This  was  accomplished  by  the  use  of 
robes  and  such  water-proof  wrappings  as  were  at  hand. 
When  all  was  done  that  was  possible  to  protect  the 
mail,  the  bags,  one  at  a  time,  were  laid  across  the 
shoulders  of  the  stalwarts  and  carried  safely  over  the 
water. 

The  most  difficult  job  now  remained.  How  could  the 
horse  and  wagon  be  transported?  The  horse  could 
swim,  but  would  he?  That  must  be  proved  by  driving 
him  into  the  water.  It  required  much  coaxing,  but  was 
finally  accomplished  by  a  succession  of  heavy  blows 
from  the  driver's  whip,  and  other  forcible  measures. 
The  wagon  was  the  last  but  not  the  least  movable  ap- 
pendage. That  would  have  to  be  delivered  in  pieces. 
The  wheels,  body,  seat  and  thills  were  disconnected,  and 
placed,  each  side  by  side,  on  the  opposite  shore,  to  be 
again  reconstructed.  If  ever  there  was  a  time  that  un- 
fortunate man  might  i)ray  for  the  power  that  was  given 
to  Moses,  to  separate  the  waters  and  allow  the  people  to 
pass  over  dry  shod,  it  was  on  that  eventful  night  re- 
corded by  the  writer. 

When  all  was  again  in  moving  order,  and  the  good 
Samaritans,  who  so  kindly  came  to  the  rescue,  were  gen- 
erously remunerated  for  their  services,  the  party  moved 
on  to  the  first  post-office  change  at  Point  Lepraux,  a 
small  out  village.  Here  the  driver  made  a  short  tarry 
at  a  tavern  for  breakfast.  The  night  had  been  far  spent 
at  the  stream,  and  hunger  followed  the  long  fasting.  It 
required  some  little  time  for  mine  host  to  serve  the 
much-longed-for  meal.      The  cooking  was  done  over  a 


10  BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS. 

huge  wood  fire,  in  a  large,  old-fashioned  brick  fire  place, 
with  its  ancient  pot  hooks  and  trammels.  The  family 
board  was  spread  with  crockery,  patterned  and  decorated 
after  that  which  graced  the  royal  table  of  King  George 
the  Third,  in  "Ye  Olden  Times."  The  savory  repast, 
while  being  prepared,  came  up  before  the  hungry  guests 
in  thick  clouds  of  smoke,  laden  with  odors  oi"  onions  and 
beefsteak  spiced  with  the  condiments  which  were  in 
general  use  in  those  times. 

At  the  hour  of  departure  a  north-east  snow-storm  set 
in,  and  it  was  not  long  before  it  became  necessary  to 
substitute  runners  for  wheels,  which  greatly  retarded 
progress  in  moving  on  to  St.  John,  where  Her  Majes- 
ty's post-office  officials  made  diligent  inquir}^  into  the 
cause  of  delay  in  the  arrival  of  the  mails.  The  reason 
assigned  by  the  carrier — which  in  ordinary  cases  would 
be  considered  valid — was  questioned  somewhat,  and  the 
testimony  of  the  passengers  was  necessary  to  put  an  end 
to  all  dispute.  It  was  required  of  each  person  knowing 
the  facts  to  kiss  the  Bible,  and  thereby  swear  to  "  tell 
the  truth,  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth," 
the  officei's  administering  the  oath,  adding  the  closing 
words  which  give  sacredness  to  the  declaration.  After 
a  few  hours'  rest  at  St.  John,  the  party  that  had  shared 
in  each  other's  hopes  and  fears,  joys  and  sorrows,  by  day 
and  by  night,  separated,  and  have  never  met  since  then. 

The  writer  sought  out  a  better  and  more  comfortable 
mode  of  conveyance  on  a  fine  steamer  bound  for  Annap- 
olis, Nova  Scotia.  The  delightful  scenery  along  the 
shores  of  the  bay  was  obscured  by  a  dense  fog,  and 
numerous  fine  views  were  shut  out  from  view.  At  an 
early  hour  in  the  morning  the  steamer  entered  "  Digby 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  11 

Gut,"  at  the  moutli  of  the  river.     Here  the  water  be- 
came smooth. 

The  Ba}^  of  Funcly  is  remarkable  for  its  high  tides, 
which  rise  with  great  rapidity.  Strangers  sometimes 
become  greatly  alarmed  by  the  noise  caused  by  the 
rushing  waves  over  the  flats.  Hogs  are  frequently  over- 
taken, while  feeding,  and  are  carried  out  to  sea  on 
the  receding  surf.  There  were  numerous  interesting 
sights  from  the  steamer's  deck.  As  the  joyful  party 
were  being  borne  over  the  tubulent  waters,  the  eye 
caught  a  glimpse  of  the  historic  "  Blow-me-down,"  the 
"Evangeline  of  Arcadia."  There  also  were  the  mas- 
sive irons,  from  the  overhanging  high  cliffs,  in  which  the 
bleached  bones  of  a  notorious  pirate  had  been  exposed 
to  the  view  of  wicked  sea-faring  men  centuries  ago. 

The  journey  by  stage  from  Annapolis  to  Windsor  was 
a  delightful  one.  Along  the  fertile  Annapolis  Valley 
were  thrifty  orchards,  extensive  tracts  of  dyke  lands, 
where  immense  quantities  of  hay  were  yearly  harvested, 
also  an  abundance  of  grain  and  fruit..  The  country 
was  rightly  called  the  "  Garden  Spot  of  Nova  Scotia." 

A  short  tarry  for  refreshment  was  made  at  Windsor, 
with  a  change  of  team  and  better  coach  accomodations. 
The  roads  became  much  improved  as  the  distance  short- 
ened to  the  objective  point.  It  was  near  the  close  of 
day  when  the  writer  reached  his  new  home  in  the  old 
city  of  Halifax,  and  rested  himself  at  the  Waverly 
House,  among  portly  English  gentlemen  and  members  of 
the  British  Parliament. 

After  patiently  waiting  until  7.30  o'clock,  dinner  was 
announced,  and  the  guests  were  ushered  into  the  s[)a- 
cious  dining  hall,  to  feast  their  eyes  and  satisfy  their 


12 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 


hunger  on  roast  beef,  served  in  Johnny  Bull  style,  et 
ccctera^  with  phim  padding,  pies  and  wines,  the  Second 
Regiment  Highland  Band  discoursing  enchanting  music 
all  the  while. 


NEW   EMPLOYMENT. 

A  few  days  were  spent  in  looking  around  the  old  city, 
examining  the  Custom  House  and  Post-office,  the  Pro- 
vincial Building,  House  of  Assembly,  Council  Chamber 
and  Library,  Her  Majesty's  Dock  and  Ordnance  Yards, 
the  Hospital,  St.  George's  Fort,  Citadel  Hill,  the  Blind 
Asylum,  St.  Paul's  Church,  Spring  Gardens,  and  many 
other  places  of  public  interest. 

Having  satisfied  the  eye  with  seeing,  the  attention  of 
the  writer  was  called  to  the  counting-room,  with  its  day 
books  and  ledgers,  bills  of  lading  and  large  correspond- 
ence belonging  to  his  clerical  duties,  which  furnished 
employment  for  weeks  and  months. 

One  day  the  eye  of  the  city  editor  of  one  of  the  lead- 
ing morning  dailies  was  attracted  by  a  five-line  item, 
penned  by  a  young  newspaper  Avriter  from  the  States, 
asking  for  a  situation  in  newspaper  work.  A  short  in- 
terview with  the  managing  editor  secured  the  desired 
place.  The  propensity  to  "write  something"  had  be- 
come so  strongly  fixed,  that  it  was  hard  to  turn  aside 
the  purpose,  and  very  soon  the  daily  routine  of  gather- 
ing news  on  the  street  became  his  regular  employment. 

HOW   HE   WAS   MADE   AN   ODD    FELLOW. 

It  was  only  a  few  months  jirior  to  the  writer's  arrival 
in  Halifax  that  he  had  become  eligible  to  membership 
in  an  Odd  Fellow's  lodge,  by  the  laws   of  the   Order. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  13 

He  had  a  strong  desire  to  learn  its  mysteries  when 
quite  young,  but  there  was  no  lodge  in  the  yilhige 
where  he  was  born  and  reared.  There  were  a  few 
worthy  representatives  of  the  Order  residing  in  the  vil- 
lage, members  of  lodges  in  neighboring  towns.  The 
nearest  lodge  was  located  at  Eastport,  seventeen  miles 
distant.  There  were  also  lodges  at  Lubec,  Machias, 
Calais,  and  Cherryfield,  in  Washington  County,  all  well 
reported  and  in  good  financial  standing  at  the  time  of 
the  Avriter's  departure  from  his  old  liome.  And  he  fully 
determined  to  unite  with  the  Order,  as  soon  as  he  was 
legally  qualified  and  a  favorable  opportunity  was  of- 
fered. 

In  the  daily  rounds  of  newspaper  work,  he  became 
acquainted  with  Elbridge  Gerry  Fuller,  formerly  a  resi- 
dent of  Eastport — one  of  the  leading  business  men  of 
the  city — a  prominent  member  of  the  Order,  and  Past 
Grand  of  Acadia  Lodge,  No.  26,  of  Halifax.  The  writer 
sought  an  interview  as  the  ides  of  March  drew  near,  and 
made  known  to  his  American  friend  his  desire  to  become 
a  member  of  the  Fraternity.  His  propositions  were  re- 
ceived with  favor,  and  every  assistance  was  given  by 
Mr.  Fuller  to  bring  about  the  desired  result.  About 
that  time  a  friendly  acquaintance  existed  between  the 
writer  and  Mr.  Charles  Lislie,  a  zealous  member  of  the 
Masonic  Fraternity.  It  being  contrary  to' the  practice 
of  "good  Masons"  to  proselyte,  Mr.  Lislie  did  not  use 
any  undue  influence  to  bias  the  mind  of  his  friend  as  to 
which  Order  he  should  join;  but  in  a  fair,  consistent 
way  presented  some  considerations  "which  might  serve 
as  a  pointer." 


14 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 


It  was  impracticable,  at  that  time,  for  the  writer  to 
compass  all  the  good  there  was  to  be  obtained  by  member- 
ship in  both  Orders,  and  it  seemed  necessary  that  he 
should  then  determine  which  one  he  would  choose,  pro- 
vided that  his  petition  should  be  granted  in  either.  In 
the  absence  of  dice,  an  English  penny  was  called  into 
use  to  signify  which  of  the  blank  applications  in  his 
hands  should  be  filled  out  and  submitted  to  a  repre- 
sentative of  the  Order  where  it  must  go  to  receive 
proper  attention.  The  dumb  arbitrator  turned  up  its 
crown  head,  which  signified  the  blank  having  the  in- 
itials "I.  O.  O.  F."  at  its  liead  was  the  one  for  the  writer 
to  fill  out.  The  choice  had  been  made,  and  it  was  then 
left  for  the  ballot  to  receive  or  reject  the  petitioner. 

Those  were  anxious  weeks  of  suspense  and  uncer- 
tainty, while  the  matter  was  under  consideration  within 
the  lodge-room,  secluded  from  the  eye  of  hhn  who  had 
never  crossed  the  threshold  of  any  secret  organization. 
The  whisperings  about  the  goat,  the  greased  pole,  the 
branding  irons,  and  various  other  barbarianisms  said  to 
be  practiced  upon  initiates  into  Masonic  and  Odd  Fel- 
lows' lodges  in  those  days,  appeared  to  the  vision  of  the 
writer.  His  anxiety  became  more  intense  as  the  time 
drew  near  for  him  to  pass  through  the  dreadful  ordeal 
whereby  he  was  to  be  made  acquainted  with  the  mys- 
teries of  Odd. Fellowship. 

The  Secretary's  notice  to  appear  at  Odd  Fellows' 
Hall  on  Bedford  Row,  April  15th,  seemed  to  come  from 
one  whose  face  and  hands  were  invisible.  What  took 
place  on  that  eventful  night  will  never  be  effaced  from 
the  memory  of  the  initiate,  or  put  in  print,  but  the' 
brother,  whom  is  proved  to  be  such,  may  know  it  all 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  15 

when  he  sits  in  a  Liwful  lodge  of  brothers  with  the 
writer.  It  was  the  okl  work  Avith  all  its  oddities.  It 
only  lacked  the  fine  tonches  of  the  sculptor's  cliisel,  and 
the  delicate  tints  of  the  artist's  l)rush,  to  bring  out  the 
hidden  beauties  of  thouglit  and  language. 

The  initiatory  ceremony  was  far  different  from  that 
made  use  of  by  members  of  a  secret  Order  which  ex- 
isted many  years  ago,  and  was  exposed  by  a  candidate 
who  had  been  victimized  and  disgusted  by  the  ridicu- 
lous performances.  To  what  Order  it  belonged  is  not 
rightly  known.  Tradition  gives  it  that  some  disap- 
pointed applicant  for  membership  in  an  Odd  Fellow 
lodse,  when  the  Order  was  first  introduced  into  Amer- 
ica,  as  the  "Independent  Order,"  hoping  to  bring  odium 
upon  the  name  of  Odd  Fellow,  published  a  small  book 
setting  forth  "that  there  had  been  found  among  the  per- 
sonal effects  of  an  expelled  mendjer  of  'Ancient  Odd 
Fellowship,'  which  existed  thousands  of  years  ago,  a 
manuscript  copy  of  the  work  and  lectures  of  that 
Order,  and  the  same  had  been  reproduced  in  print  by 
him."  How  much  credence  can  be  given  to  such  a 
statement  must  be  left  for  the  reader  to  determine,  after 
he  has  been  initiated  in  the  work  of  the  degree  of  "  In- 
gress," which  the  writer  has  been  granted  permission  to 
make  public  in  this  book,  without  violating  his  obliga- 
tions as  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  or  stifhng 
his  own  convictions. 

THE   ODD   fellows'    GOAT. 

"  To  further  tlieir  cause  they  invented  a  story 
Of  Odd  Fellows'  rites,  horrid,  gliastly  and  f^orj, 
Set  forth  at  the  lodge  were  being  held  nightly — 
Revelries  shameful  and  orgies  unsightly. 
Some  victims  were  hung  by  the  hair  of  the  head, 
And  some  by  the  heels  were  dragged  until  half  dead. 


16 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 


Some  broiled  ou  a  grid-iron  until  done  brown, 

Then  released  on  condition  they'd  forthwith  leave  town; 

Some  even  declared  they  held  knives  to  the  throats 

Of  candidates  on  their  old  soapy  goats. 

Of  course  the  lies  took:  found  large  hosts  of  believers — 

No  lie  so  absurd  but  it  finds  some  receivers." 

The  ordeal  through  which  the  "  victim  " — as  the  can- 
didate was  styled — passed  was  in  the  manner  here  de- 
scribed. 

The  victim  having  fully  complied  with  all  the  re- 
quirements in  the  form  of  petitions,  payment  of  fees, 
and  having  taken  the  primary  obligations,  he  was  es- 
corted to  the  ante-room,  apart  from  the  general  lodge  or 
working-room,  where  he  was  divested  of  his  outer  ap- 
parel and  clothed  in  loosely-fitting  overalls  and  frock. 
His  shoes  were  removed  and  his  feet  covered  by  long 
stockings.  All  the  valuables  on  his  person  were  placed 
in  the  hands  of  the  "bag  holder"  of  the  lodge,  for  safe 
keeping.  The  victim's  eyes  were  then  covered  by  a 
black  bandage,  and  he  was  shut  out  from  the  world. 
He  was  then  brought  into  close  contact  with  the  brand- 
ing iron,  that  would  place  upon  his  person  marks  which 
made  it  certain  that  he  had  been  an  Odd  Fellow  of  the 
"Ancient  Order."  He  was  then  instructed  to  cling 
closely  to  the  arms  of  his  guides,  and  go  withersover 
they  might  lead  him.  The  road  over  which  he  passed 
was  a  long  and  devious  one  before  he  reached  the  door 
or  entrance  to  the  mysterious  chamber  of  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows. 

After  loud  knocking  on  the  wicket  door,  accompanied 
by  words,  in  low  wdiisperings,  which  were  respouded  to 
by  the  guardian  within,  the  right  ear  of  the  victim  was 
placed  close  to  the  open  wicket,  where  the  warm  breath 


BINDING   OF    THE   LINKS.  17 

of  a  man  quickly  fell  upon  it.  The  victim  was  then  re- 
quested to  strike  three  heavy  blows  upon  the  door  with 
his  left  foot,  which  were  answered  by  the  guardman  in 
the  same  manner,  and  the  interrogatory  voiced  through 
a  long  tin  horn,  "Who  comes  there?"  "Who  comes 
there?"  The  shock  to  the  victim's  ear  and  sensibilities 
was  so  great,  that  he  could  scarcely  catch  the  words 
which  came  with  the  reply,  but  he  thought  he  heard 
something  about  "  A  poor  blind  traveler  who  is  seeking 
knowledge  of  Odd  Fellowship."  At  that  moment  there 
was  a  confusion  of  sounds  coming  from  conk  shells, 
watchmen's  rattles,  cow  bells,  a  discharge  of  small  fire- 
arms, etc.,  when  the  door  was  opened  and  the  victim 
ushered  into  the  presence  of  the  Grand  Noble  and  his 
associates. 

The  goat  was  ordered  to  be  saddled  and  led  to  the 
center  of  the  hall,  and  the  victim  was  assisted  to  a  seat 
on  his  back.  The  goat  is  a  veritable  animal,  which  has 
been  known  to  be  used  in  all  secret  Orders  since  the 
early  days  of  Free  Masonry.  The  animal  produced 
on  the  occasion  referred  to  was  indeed  a  goat,  but 
where  there  was  once  life  and  bleating,  the  breath  had 
gone  out  of  its  nostrils,  and  nothing  remained  but  the 
skin,  with  its  long  white  hair  and  crooked  horns.  The 
frame  and  bodily  structure  was  wood,  and  small 
iron  trucks  supplied  the  lack  of  animated  locomotion. 
The  victim  was  placed  astride  the  so-called  goat's  back, 
and  cantered  around  the  room  by  the  master  of  cere- 
monies and  his  aids.  His  goatship  behaved  well,  and 
the  rider  held  a  firm  grip  on  the  horns.  Three  rounds 
of  the  hall  completed  the  journey  to  the  cell  of  the  "man 
of  wisdom."       It   was    the    bony    frame    of   the    first 


18  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

discoverer  of  Odd  Fellowship  in  the  world.  The  blinders 
of  the  victim  were  removed  and  he  looked  upon  the  re- 
mains of  the  "ancient  of  days,"  who  opened  his  skele- 
ton jaws  and  asked  in  a  sepulchal  voice  the  victim's 
name,  age  and  occupation,  from  whence  he  came  and 
whither  he  was  journeying.  Having  received  satis- 
factory answers  to  his  interrogatories,  he  stretched  forth 
his  long  bony  hands,  grasped  that  of  the  victim's  and 
recited  a  lesson  of  morality.  After  this  solemn  service, 
the  victim  was  again  blindfolded  and  led  up  a  flight  of 
stairs  to  the  top  of  the  hall,  where  his  hands  were  se- 
curely fastened  behind  him,  and  he  was  conducted  to 
the  front  of  the  platform.  The  blinders  were  again  re- 
moved and  the  guide  pointed  to  the  floor  below,  where 
appeared  a  large  table  filled  with  long  black  spikes. 
The  victim  was  requested  to  jump,  but  fear  caused  him 
to  refuse.  Just  then  the  stentorian  voice  of  the  Grand 
Noble  called  out,  "  Throw  him  down  ! "  "  Throw 
him  down !  "  The  order  was  executed  and  the  victim 
dropped  upon  a  soft  inflated  rubber  cushion.  The 
supposed  spikes  were  also  rubber,  and  inflicted  no 
wounds  on  the  person  of  the  victim.  There  was  more 
scare  than  harm. 

After  this  performance  the  victim  was  conducted  to 
the  altar  and  placed  in  a  kneeling  posture,  with  the 
Warden's  axe  across  his  neck,  which  indicated  the 
doom  that  would  come  to  the  betrayer  of  the  secrets  of 
Odd  Fellowship.  The  victim  was  then  instructed  in 
the  manner  of  working  into  a  lodge,  with  the  signs, 
pass-words  and  grjp.  The  entering  signal  was  five 
scratches  on  the  door  with  a  kinfe,  or  any  hard  mate- 
rial.    The  pass-word  was,   "Presto, — Change."      The 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  19 

grand  or  working  sign  was  made  by  placing  tlic  right 
thumb  on  the  end  of  the  nose  to  attract  the  attention  of 
the  challenged  party.  When  recognized  by  him,  the 
proof  of  full  membership  was  shown  by  adding  tlie 
thumb  of  the  left  hand  to  the  little  linger  of  the  right 
hand,  giving  it  a  zig-zag  motion.  The  words  accompa- 
njdng  the  sign  were  :  "  Be  you  an  Odd  Fellow  ?  "  The 
reply  of  the  challenged  party,  if  he  had  been  a  victim, 
was :  "  So  be  I."  The  grip  was  made  by  locking  the 
little  finger  with  that  of  a  brother,  and  bracing  the  toes 
each  against  each  other,  at  the  same  time  uttering  the 
words :  "  I  have  been  there  myself."  These  instructions 
closed  the  work  of  the  "  Ingress  "  degree,  and  the  name 
"brother"  was  substituted  for  that  of  "victim,"  who 
was  declared  to  be  entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  privi- 
leges of  the  Order. 

These  ancient  rites  were  not  adopted  by  the  wise 
legislators  of  the  Independent  Order,  and  are  not 
generally  known  among  the  pioneers  of  American  Odd 
Fellowship,  and  it  is  well  that  they  have  long  since 
passed  out  of  any  institution  that  takes  for  its  motto, 
Friendship,  Love  and  Truth. 

Jt  did  not  require  much  time  or  observation  for  the 
writer  to  find  out  what  there  was  of  good  in  the  Order. 
Its  teachings  and  practice  of  benevolence  and  charity 
made  it  plain  to  the  most  casual  observer  that  it  was  a 
moral  and  fraternal  institution. 

The  writer  was  constant  in  his  attendance  at  the 
meetings  of  the  lodge,  and  became  deeply  interested  in 
its  duties,  which  enlarged  his  capabilities  for  doing  good. 
It  was  a  privilege  highly  esteemed  to  sit  among  the 
brethren  and  participate  in  the  work  and  business  of 
the  eveuino-. 


20 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 


Having  been  fully  instructed  in  the  work  of  the  five 
degrees,  the  writer  was  solicited  to  take  a  position 
among  the  officers  of  the  lodge,  and  starting  at  the 
outer  door — a  post  of  responsibility — he  worked  his  way 
up  through  the  various  stations  to  the  Noble  Grand's 
Chair,  and  was  honored  with  the  gavel. 

During  his  term  as  outside  guardian,  he  was  induced 
to  take  charge  of  the  lodge-room.  For  services  rendered 
he  received  a  small  compensation.  The  encampment 
branch  of  the  Order  held  its  stated  meetings  in  the 
same  hall,  and  in  order  for  the  janitor  to  be  in  possession 
of  the  keys  to  all  the  secret  closets,  he  must  be  a  mem- 
ber in  good  standing  of  the  Patriarchal  Degrees,  and 
they  were  duly  conferred  upon  him.  "What  might  be 
said  concerning  those  sublime  degrees  will  not  enter 
into  the  writer's  sketch  of  Odd  Fellow  usage,  or  his  ex- 
perience in  the  Order,  but  he  will  note,  in  passing,  that 
after  diligent  study  and  familiarity  with  the  workings 
of  the  degrees,  he  was  installed  Chief  Patriarch  of  Mam- 
berton  Encampment,  No.  10,  working  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the  United  States. 

As  years  passed  the  lodge  and  encampment  increased 
in  membership,  and  became  strong  and  influential  fra- 
ternal organizations  in  the  Lower  Province  of  Nova 
Scotia.  From  them  were  gathered  good  sound  material 
to  institute  lodges  and  encampments  in  other  towns  in 
the  jurisdiction.  It  was  the  writer's  privilege  to  assist 
in  instituting  prosperous  lodges  at  Londonderry  and 
Cape  Breton.  The  associations  in  the  lodge  and  en- 
campment, among  brothers  and  friends,  are  the  happiest 
recollections  during  the  writer's  sojourn  in  that  country. 


CHAPTER  II. 

TIME   AND   WAR   WORK   CHANGES. 

To  all  things  in  this  life  there  is  an  end,  and  a  time  for 
a  change  in  the  writer's  experience  was  close  at  hand. 
A  war  was  menacing  in  the  Crimea,  to  which  the  C'rown 
was  allied.  There  were  at  that  time  less  than  a  score 
of  American  citizens  residing  in  the  city  of  Halifax.  It 
was  decreed  that  they  should  become  loyal  subjects  to 
Her  Majesty's  government.  Neutrality  in  opinions  and 
interests  would  not  suffice.  They  were  Yankees,  and 
must  swear  allegiance  to  the  government  that  afforded 
them  protection.  A  pen  in  the  hand  of  an  alien  on  the 
editorial  or  reportorial  staff  of  a  so-called  independent 
daily  was  a  dangerous  thing,  and  might  incite  the  law- 
less to  acts  of  insubordination.  So  argued  the  man  oc- 
cupying a  high  position  in  the  Provincial  Government. 
In  order  to  prevent  any  breach  in  that  direction,  "The 
Yankee  Reporter"  was  waited  upon  and  requested  to 
take  the  oath  prescribed  to  become  a  loyal  subject  of 
the  British  Government.  The  open  Bible  was  placed  in 
his  hands,  and  he  was  directed  to  "kiss  the  book"  and 
have  the  oath  administered.  This  he  declined  to  do, 
giving  as  a  reason  that  he  expected  to  return  to  his 
home  in  the  United  States,  and  wished  to  enjoy  all  the 
privileges  granted  to  citizens  thereof  without  applying 
to  the  court  for  naturalization.  The  excuses  offered 
were  not  sufficient  to  release  him  from  complying  with 


22  BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS. 

the  requirement  of  the  officer,  and  he  was  informed  that 
his  services  in  the  city  would  no  longer  be  needed. 
The  facts  were  quickly  heralded  through  the  streets, 
and  commented  upon  by  newspaper  men. 

It  was  an  hour  of  sadness  in  the  lodge-room,  when  the 
brothers  were  informed  that  a  withdrawal  card  was 
asked  for,  and  tlie  writer  was  soon  to  leave  the  city,  to 
return  no  more.  Words  of  sorrow  and  deep  regret  were 
uttered.  There  were  also  words  of  cheer  and  encour- 
agement. They  hoped  that  he  whom  they  had  re- 
spected and  loved  might  come  among  them  again. 
Tokens  of  brotherly  regard  and  kind  remembrance  were 
placed  in  his  hand,  accompanied  by  words  of  affection 
and  favor. 

Among  the  number  who  stood  about  the  writer  as  he 
took  his  departure  from  the  city,  were  brothers  whose 
names  and  faces  will  neyer  be  forgotten.  They  were 
C.  H.  Hamilton,  Noble  Grand;  Charles  Leslie,  Vice 
Grand;  James  Scott,  Treasurer;  Henr}^  A.Taylor,  Con- 
ductor; Elbridge  G.  Fuller,  Degree  Master;  and  many 
others. 

KETUEN   TO   THE   OLD   HOME. 

Prior  to  the  gathering  war  clouds  and  exciting  times 
in  the  city  of  Halifax,  friends  and  relatives  of  the  writer, 
from  Massachusetts,  who  had  been  engaged  in  business 
in  the  city  and  along  the  coast  of  Nova  Scotia,  had  re- 
turned to  their  home  in  the  United  States,  leaving  the 
writer  and  his  old  associate,  J.  W.  Hartshorn,  of  Wake- 
field, Mass.,  behind  to  take  charge  of  business  and 
represent  the  interests  of  the  home  company  in  the 
Province.     The  action  of  the  government  necessitated 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  23 

a  speedy  settlement  of  the  affairs,  and  no  time  was  lost 
in  accomplishing  that  object. 

In  a  few  days  all  plans  were  completed  and  the  good- 
byes said.  Then  came  the  parting.  Mr.  Hartshorn 
boarded  one  of  the  English  steamers  and  sailed  for  Bos- 
ton, and  the  writer  took  passage  on  the  old  stage-coach 
and  journeyed  homeward.  His  days  of  traveling  were 
not  so  eventful  as  were  those  in  his  coming  to  the  city. 
There  was  a  railroad  conveyance  from  Halifax  to  Wind- 
sor, connections  by  stage  and  steamboats  with  Annapo- 
lis and  St.  John,  onward  to  Eastport  and  Calais  by 
boats  of  the  International  Steamship  Line,  extending  to 
Portland  and  Boston. 

It  was  pleasant  to  look  into  the  faces  of  old  acquaint- 
ances, as  they  gathered  about  the  boat  landing.  There 
were  extended  warm,  friendly  hands,  with  cordial  greet- 
ings. If  it  was  not  in  the  power  to  sing  at  that  mo- 
ment, it  was  impossible  for  him  to  suppress  giving 
utterance  to  those  familiar  and  expressive  words : 

"Home  afijain,  home  again, 
From  a  foreign  shore ; 
And  oh !    It  fills  my  soul  with  joy, 
To  meet  my  friends  once  more." 

And  those  other  words,  the  true  import  of  which  no 

one  can  fully  understand  until  they  have  rested  under 

a  foreign  flaf]f: 

"My  country  'tis  of  thee, 
Sweet  land  of  liberty! 
Of  thee  I  sing." 

The  first  question  asked  by  the  writer,  after  inquiring 
after  the  liealth  and  welfare  of  old  friends  and  the  fam- 
ily circle  at  Eastport,  was :  "  How  is  Odd  Fellowship 
flourishing?  "    The  interrogatory  brought  not  a  pleasant 


24  BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS. 

smile  on  the  countenance  of  the  long-years-ago  Noble 
Grand  of  Passamaquoddy  Lodge. 

The  destroyer  had  been  among  the  brothers  of  other 
days,  and  his  works  had  been  made  manifest.  The  five 
lodges  in  Washington  Connty,  which  had  prospered  by 
large  additions  to  their  ranks  and  brought  money  into 
their  treasuries,  were  now  tottering  on  the  brink  of 
ruin  and  ready  to  fall.  The  system  of  dues  and  bene- 
fits was  not  carefully  looked  after  in  those  days.  The 
lodge  provided  liberally  for  the  care  and  aid  of  the  sick 
and  needy.  The  beneficial  part  of  Odd  Fellowship  was 
then,  as  it  is  regarded  by  some  people  to-day,  the  lead- 
ing object  in  our  affiliation,  and  consider  it  a  safe  and 
respectable  mutual  relief  association,  and  nothing  more. 

The  first  command  of  the  Order,  to  visit  the  sick  and 
relieve  the  distressed,  they  indorse,  when  it  comes  to 
be  personally  applied  to  the  payment  of  weekly  bene- 
fits; but  burying  the  dead  and  educating  tlie  orphan 
have  no  claim  upon  them.  The  history  of  all  human  or- 
ganizations, since  the  Great  Master  was  on  earth,  shows 
that  there  are  unprincipled  men  in  them  all.  The  bad 
seek  to  affiliate  with  the  good,  for  protection  and 
personal  advantage.  And  so  it  comes  about,  that  ap- 
parently strong  and  beautiful  superstructures  are  fre- 
quently undermined  and  demolished  by  having  unsound 
material  wrought  into  them. 

Thus  it  was  in  the  life  and  death  of  many  lodges 
throughout  Maine,  and  in  other  States,  during  the  dark 
days  of  1845  to  1850,  when  the  membership  of  the 
Order  became  greatly  reduced  and  tliere  was  but  little 
interest  taken  in  it.  Some  men,  who  then  styled  them- 
selves Odd  Fellows,  consented  to  take  part  and  share  in 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  25 

the  illegal  distribution  of  lo<lg-e  property,  and  divided 
the  money  that  liad  sacredl}^  been  set  apart  for  the  re- 
lief of  the  widow  and  orphan,  and  appropriated  the 
same  to  their  own  personal  uses.  The  name  of  those 
who  ingloriously  cut  themselves  asunder  from  all  the 
rights  and  privileges  of  the  Order  is  legion,  and  many 
of  them,  like  Esau,  who  sold  his  birthright  for  a  mess  of 
pottage,  have  diligently  sought  for  the  inheritance  with 
tears  in  days  of  the  Order's  prosperity,  but  they  have 
been  denied  the  coveted  blessing. 

It  was  a  moment  of  great  disappointment  to  the 
writer,  after  having  expressed  his  desire  to  deposit  his 
withdrawal  card,  which  had  come  from  the  hands  of  the 
true  brother  and  secretary  of  Acadia  Lodge  one  week 
before,  and  become  a  member  of  Passamaquoddy  Lodge, 
at  Eastport,  which  was  the  nearest  of  any  lodge  to  his 
home,  when  the  acting  Noble  Grand  uttered  the  words, 
"The  lodge  will  shortly  be  defunct."  It  was  not  for 
lack  of  members  or  funds,  but  it  was  on  the  assumption 
that  the  Order  had  outlived  its  usefulness  and  must 
die.  The  decree  had  gone  forth,  and  every  member  in 
good  standing  had  been  notified  to  appear  at  the  lodge- 
room  and  take  part  in  the  distribution.  At  the  ap- 
pointed time,  the  chosen  few  assembled  around  the 
treasurer  and  gathered  in  the  shekles.  They  also 
parted  the  raiment  of  blue,  scarlet  and  purple,  and  scat- 
tered it  abroad,  to  be  profaned  by  those  who  took  de- 
light in  casting  ignominy  on  the  beautiful  temple  of 
Friendship,  Love  and  Truth,  which  had  been  erected  in 
honor  by  the  immortal  six  at  Baltimore  thirty-five 
years  before. 

The  writer  survived  the  shock,  and  hoped  to  find  a 
home  anion  o'  those  in  other  towns  who  had  laid  their 


26  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

hands  on  tlie  sacred  altar  of  Odd  Fellowship  and 
pledged  fidelity  to  its  principles.  He  found  but  few  per- 
sons to  speak  words  of  encouragement.  What  was  true 
in  the  history  of  the  lodge  at  Eastport  was  also  true  of 
other  lodges  in  the  county.  Influences  detrimental  to 
the  welfare  and  perpetuity  of  the  Order  had  spread 
throughout  eastern  Maine,  and  the  glory  of  the  Order 
had  departed  therefrom. 

The  emblematic  golden  links,  expressive  of  the  three 
cardinal  principles  of  the  Order,  which  were  presented 
to  the  writer  on  the  evening  he  was  installed  into  the 
office  of  Noble  Grand,  in  the  lodge  where  he  first 
learned  the  lessons  of  Odd  Fellowship,  appeared  on  his 
vestments,  while  mingling  with  those  who  had  brought 
dishonor  to  the  good  name  of  the  Order.  They  were 
pointed  at  contemptuously,  and  the  by-standers  were 
told  that  it  was  the  badge  of  the  "  chain  gang,"  who 
robbed  the  treasury  of  Odd  Fellow  lodges. 

All  efforts  to  gain  membership  in  a  lodge  adjacent 
to  the  writer's  home  having  failed,  the  thought  came 
over  him  like  a  night-mare,  that  he  would  never  again 
know  "how  good  and  pleasant  a  thing  it  is  for  brethren 
to  dwell  together  in  unity."  Years  came  and  went,  and 
the  cares  of  busy  life  engrossed  the  time  and  attention  of 
one  who  had  seen  years  and  many  changes  pass  before 
him.  The  old  adage,  "Out  of  sight,  out  of  mind,"  was 
daily  being  verified  in  the  writer's  experience.  He  was 
isolated  from  the  companionship  of  those  whose  society 
he  loved  and  honored.  He  sought  comfort  in  a  "  one 
idea "  association,  which  patterned,  in  a  small  degree, 
after  the  ritualism  of  Odd  Fellowship.  Some  of  the 
forms  were  there,  but  the  heart  and  life  were  lacldng. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  27 

There  was  no  corner-stone  of  fraternity,  the  soild  basis 
upon  which  the  forefathers  wisely  buihled  the  grand 
superstructure  of  Odd  Fellowship. 

The  thought  frequently  came  forcibly  into  the  mind 
of  the  writer,  "Woidd  he  ever  meet  a  brother  of  the 
Order  in  his  secluded  village  ?  "  That  boon  was  soon 
to  be  his.  There  were  commercial  travelers  in  those 
days,  as  now,  but  their  visits  to  country  villages  were 
less  frequent  than  in  these  days  of  business  push  and 
competition.  The  men  who  were  burdened  with  heavy 
trunks  and  numerous  grips,  who  compassed  sea  and 
land  to  make  large  sales  and  get  "wealth,"  occasionally 
found  their  way  into  obscure  places,  "  away  back "  in 
the  country.  They  came  from  the  popular  cities  and 
large  business  centers,  where  all  good  organizations  ex- 
ist and  thrive  in  spite  of  opposition  and  the  evil  devices 
of  unprincipled  man. 

A   BKIGHTENING    SKY. 

On  a  bright  September  day,  in  the  year  1872,  the 
writer  entered  Allan's  Hotel,  in  his  native  village,  and 
there  was  attracted  by  a  gentleman  of  pleasing  address 
and  genial  tenor.  Within  the  circle  of  his  unique 
watch-charm  were  the  three  golden  links,  wrought  after 
the  pattern  of  the  little  pin  belonging  to  the  writer, 
which  had  been  shut  out  from  the  gaze  of  the  unfriendly 
to  Odd  Fellow^ship  for  nearly  twelve  years.  The  sight 
nearly  dazzled  the  eyes  of  the  beholder.  Could  it  be 
possible,  thought  the  writer,  that  there  stood  before  him 
a  brother  of  the  mystic  tie?  There  was  a  rapid  ex- 
change of  words,  and  the  story  was  soon  told.  He  was 
ni}^  brother  and  friend,  Mr.  T.  Frank  Jones,  a  worthy 


28  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

member  of  Ligonia  Lodge,  Portland,  Maine,  and  man- 
ager of  Russell's  Mercantile  Agency,  on  Exchange 
Street.  It  was  then  that  two  hearts  melted  into  one  in 
a  fraternal  union.  The  writer  can  never  forget  the 
hour  when  his  longing  soul  was  made  glad  by  the 
cheering  news  that  "  Odd  Fellowship  lives  and  moves, 
and  has  a  perpetual  existence  in  name  and  principles, 
throughout  the  entire  globe."  The  good  brother,  if  his 
eye  falls  upon  these  lines,  will  recall  that  pleasant  inter- 
view. 

From  that  day  onward,  diligent  search  was  made  to 
gain  more  light  on  the  life  and  progress  of  the  Order  in 
Maine. 

INTERESTING   NEWSPAPER   ITEMS. 

Shortly  after  the  event  just  recorded,  the  eye  of  the 
writer  fell  upon  a  paragraph,  published  in  a  stray  copy 
of  the  Portland  Daily  Advertiser^  giving  an  account  of 
the  public  installation  of  the  officers  of  Ancient  Broth- 
ers' Lodge  of  that  city,  Grand  Master  James  E.  Hesel- 
tine  officiating.  The  names  of  the  installing  officers, 
and  some  of  those  installed,  were  carefully  noted  in  a 
memorandum  book  for  future  reference.  In  due  time, 
while  the  matter  was  fresh  in  mind,  the  writer  indited 
and  penned  a  letter  to  Grand  Master  Heseltine,  inter- 
rogating him  on  many  points  concerning  Odd  Fellow- 
ship in  his  city  and  throughout  the  State.  Being  a 
stranger  in  person  to  the  officer  addressed,  it  seemed 
proper  that  the  writer  should,  in  some  way,  show  to  the 
Grand  Master  that  he  had  once  been  a  member  of  the 
Order,  to  entitle  him  to  a  reply  to  the  numerous  ques- 
tions propounded.      The  only  token  at  hand  was  the 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  29 

/ly  leaf  of  the  by-laws  of  Acadia  Lodge,  No.  2G,  at  Hali- 
fax, which  the  writer  had  preserved  all  tliose  years. 
Upon  it  appeared  his  name,  with  title  of  Past  Grand. 
The  letter  was  forwarded  by  the  first  mail,  and  the 
much  desired  information  came  speedily.  The  missive 
contained  words  of  kind  regard,  and  pointed  out  the 
way  whereby  the  lost  one  from  the  fold  might  return 
and  find  shelter.  Thereafter,  a  friendly  correspondence 
was  carried  on  between  the  newly  acquainted  brothers 
of  the  links,  and  plans  were  devised  to  strengthen  the 
bonds  of  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth. 


CHAPTER  HI. 

A   VISIT   TO   POIITLAKD. 

Not  many  months  passed  before  the  writer  made  a 
pilgrimage  to  the  city  of  beautiful  islands,  to  seek  out 
the  one  who  had  sent  the  light  of  Odd  Fellowship  into 
his  beclouded  mind  on  that  auspicious  September  morn- 
ing, brought  to  the  notice  of  the  reader  in  the  preced- 
ing pages. 

The  steamer  arrived  at  the  pier  quite  early  in  the 
morning,  which  gave  the  writer  an  opportunity  to  look 
about  the  "great  city,"  full  of  wonders  and  "much 
people."  Inquiry  at  the  Mercantile  Agency  satisfied 
him  that  Mr.  Jones  would  be  "out  of  town"  for  a 
numljer  of  days.  There  was  only  one  hope  remaining, 
and  that  was  to  find  Past  Grand  Master  Heseltine. 
He,  too,  was  on  a  business  tour  in  Boston  and  New 
York.  To  whom  could  he  appeal  ?  He  was  a  stranger 
among  strangers.  He  had  never  been  instructed  in  the 
sign  of  recognition,  if  that  would  be  of  any  service  to 
him.  The  day  was  passing,  and  he  must  find  a  resting 
place  somewhere.  The  name  "United  States  Hotel" 
sounded  well  in  his  ear.  Tlie  guests  must  all  be  loyal 
to  the  flag,  thought  he,  and  he  ventured  to  book  his 
name  under  that  of  Hon.  John  P.  Hale,  of  New  Hamp- 
shire. 

When  the  streets  were  lighted,  and  pedestrians  jos- 
tled and  crowded  one  against  the  other    on  Congress 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  31 

street,  it  seemed  a  daring  act  for  a  "down-east  coimtr}'- 
man"  to  throw  himself  into  the  sea  of  moving  humanity 
and  hope  to  come  out  alive.  But  the  adage  that  "those 
who  know  nothing  fear  nothing,"  may  have  been  the 
saving  power  of  the  writer,  when  beating  his  way 
through  the  panic-stricken  crowd,  pressing  their  way  to 
the  scene  of  a  great  conflagration.  It  was  not  the  lire 
he  was  interested  in,  but  Exchange  Street. 

ODD   FELLOW^s'   HALL. 

The  displaj^  of  fine  goods,  in  the  windows  of  bril- 
liantly lighted  stores,  attracted  his  attention,  until  a 
swinging  sign  caused  him  to  look  upwards,  and  his  eye 
caught  sight  of  a  transparency  displayed  from  the  win- 
dow, on  which  were  painted  familiar  devices,  such  as 
the  heart  and  hand,  the  three  links,  and  the  all-seeing 
eye,  with  the  initials  "I.  O.  O.  F. — Welcome,  Brother." 

The  invitation  was  to  Odd  Fellows.  The  writer  had 
been  one ;  he  was  then  "  a  non-affiliated "  member  of 
the  Order,  and  it  was  no  fault  of  his  that  he  was  shut 
out.  He  hoped  that  he  might  be  allowed  the  privilege 
to  take  a  peep  up  the  stairway.  It  would  do  no  harm 
to  try.  It  was  twelve  long  years  since  he  had  crossed 
the  threshold  of  an  Odd  Fellow^s'  lodge.  How  strange 
it  seemed,  now  that  he  was  so  near  the  asylum,  and  the 
door  was  closed  against  him.  The  encouraging  word, 
"try,"  urged  him  forward  up  the  first  flight  to  the  land- 
ing; then  those  other  little  words,  "go  on,"  helped 
liim  up  the  next  flight,  and  gave  him  safe  footing  on 
the  broad  step  at  the  entrance  of  the  outer  door.  In 
moving  about  in  the  darkness,  his  hand  accidently 
struck  accainst  the  crank  of  the  alarm  bell.     The  sound 


32  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

brought  the  veteran  guardian,  Brother  He  oper,  to  the 
door,  who  opened  the  wicket  to  ascertain  the  cause. 
Words  failed  to  form  a  valid  excuse  from  a  supposed 
eavesdropper;  but  the  gracious  guardian  listened  at- 
tentively to  the  story  recited  by  the  writer,  and  kindly 
opened  the  door  and  invited  "the  stranger"  to  a  seat. 

What  passed  through  the  mind  of  the  writer  at  that 
moment  cannot  be  made  intelligible  to  the  readers. 
There,  for  the  first  time  after  long  years  of  patient 
waiting,  he  looked  upon  the  collars  in  scarlet,  green, 
pink  and  blue,  and  the  Past  Grand's  regalia,  appropri- 
ate to  the  official  rank  which  he  had  attained.  He 
craved  the  privilege  to  don  it,  but  bided  his  time  until 
a  more  gracious  opportunity  came  to  him. 

Brother  Hooper  became  very  much  interested  in  the 
recital  of  events  in  the  writer's  experiences,  and  volun- 
teered any  assistance  that  it  was  in  his  power  to  render. 
A  pleasant  interchange  of  words  followed,  and  the 
writer  asked  if  there  were  any  Past  Grand  Masters  or 
veteran  members  in  the  lodge-room.  Brother  Hooper 
made  the  inquiry  through  the  Inside  Guardian,  and  the 
names  of  Benjamin  Kingsbury  and  Edward  P.  Banks, 
Past  Grand  Masters,  were  announced.  Those  honored 
brothers  of  the  Order  were  invited  to  come  to  the  ante- 
room, where  they  were  met  by  the  writer,  a  stranger 
to  them.  The  pleasant  smile  on  good  Brother  Kings- 
bury's face,  and  his  cordial  shake  of  the  hand,  gave  a 
confidence,  which  was  strengthened  by  words  of  cheer 
and  manifestations  of  brotherly  regard  by  Brother 
Banks.  The  interview  was  a  most  pleasant  one.  The 
honored  and  faithful  representatives  of  the  Order  listened 
attentively  to  the  narrative  of  one  who  had  asked  for  a 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  33 

hearing.  The  story  tokl  then  was  the  same  as  lias  been 
recited  to  the  reader,  as  he  has  followed  the  writer  up 
to  the  present  time.  At  the  close  of  the  interview,  the 
Past  Grand  Masters  asked  the  writer:  "What  do  you 
desire?"  His  reply  was:  "To  enter  the  lodge-room  and 
sit  in  the  Noble  Grand's  chair."  He  was  assured  that 
his  request  should  be  granted  as  soon  as  the  lodge  was 
closed. 

The  time  seemed  long,  but  moments  stretch  out  into 
hours  when  the  expectant  heart  is  waiting  for  the  com- 
ing of  some  looked  for  good.  As  soon  as  the  door  was 
thrown  open,  the  writer  was  escorted  into  the  hall  and 
introduced  to  a  large  number  of  brothers,  with  some  of 
whom  he  now  enjoys  a  happy  acquaintance ;  while 
others  have  since  crossed  the  river,  and  know  more  of 
the  true  value  of  the  principles  of  Odd  Fellowship 
than  all  the  living.  It  was  a  late  hour  when  the  little 
group  retired  from  the  hall  that  night,  and  accompanied 
the  writer  to  his  room  at  the  hotel. 

The  dream  angel  brought  pleasant  thoughts  into  the 
mind  of  the  writer,  when  sleep  had  closed  his  eyes. 
There  appeared  bright  visions  of  joy  and  pleasant  asso- 
ciations among  those  who  are  linked  together  in  our 
friendly  Order. 

On  the  following  day  a  committee  met  at  Odd  Fel- 
lows' hall,  to  learn  more  definitely  concerning  the  his- 
tory of  a  member  of  the  Order  who  had  asked  to  be 
admitted  to  the  privileges  of  lodge  fellowship.  The 
writer  answered  to  the  members  in  question,  and  mani- 
fested a  willingness  to  submit  to  any  examination  that 
the  committee  might  desire  to  make.  The  investioa- 
tion  was  strict  and  impartial.     The  writer  was  asked  to 


34  BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS. 

explain  and  make  clear  many  things  in  the  unwritten 
work  that  were  once  his  daily  study  and  constant 
practice ;  but  time  had  dulled  his  conceptions  and 
worked  confusion  in  his  mind.  The  absence  of  the 
withdrawal  card  or  other  documentary  evidence  was 
against  him.  The  card  had  been  cast  away  among  waste 
paper,  in  the  "dark  days"  of  his  isolation  from  the 
Order.  The  ordeal  was  a  most  trying  one,  but  the 
writer  satisfied  the  committee,  beyond  a  doubt,  that  he 
had  once  been  put  in  the  possession  of  the  secret  work 
of  the  five  degrees  of  Odd  Fellowship,  but  how  he  had 
obtained  them  was  not  clear  to  their  minds, — if  they 
entertained  any  doubts  concerning  his  veracity.  It  was 
fortunate  for  the  writer,  when  standing  before  the  court 
of  justice  asking  favor,  that  there  are  some  things  in 
Odd  Fellowship  that  are  known  and  can  be  explained 
only  by  those  who  have  crossed  its  portals  and  taken 
upon  themselves  that  binding  and  solemn  obligation. 
When  the  key  which  could  unlock  those  hidden  mys- 
teries was  produced  by  the  writer,  the  clouds  of  doubt, 
which  may  have  been  over  the  minds  of  the  committee, 
cleared  away,  and  a  favorable  and  most  pleasing  verdict 
was  rendered  for  the  defendant.  That  day  was  spent 
in  the  society  of  new-found  friends  and  brothers,  and  he 
was  happy  with  brightened  prospects  of  future  good. 

In  the  evening,  Avhen  the  members  assembled  at  the 
hall  for  lodge  meeting,  the  writer  was  in  the  ante-room 
to  see  and  exchange  salutations  with  those  he  had  met 
on  the  previous  evening.  It  was  good  to  be  there  and 
stand  beside  those  who  had  for  many  years  marched  in 
the  ranks  of  the  tried  and  faithful  supporters  of  the 
principles  of  the  Order  ;  to  receive  their  kind  attention 
and  listen  to  words  of  wisdom. 


BINDING   OF   THE  LINKS.  35 

At  tlic  proper  time  the  writer  was  escorted  by  Past 
Grand  Masters  Kingsbury  and  Banks  to  the  hall,  and 
there  introduced  to  the  Noble  Grand  as  "an  ancient 
Odd  Fellow."  That  officer  kindly  hivited  him  to  a  seat 
at  his  right  hand.  It  was  then  a  moment  for  thonght. 
How  strange  the  scene !  All  about  him  were  brothers 
clothed  in  the  regalia  of  the  Order,  and  he  who  had 
supposed  that  Odd  Fellowship  in  Maine  was  a  thing  of 
the  past  was  one  of  the  number,  and  was  ready  to  re- 
ceive the  lessons  taught  by  precept  and  practice  in  the 
lodge.  It  was  then  he  could  sing  with  the  heart  and 
understanding,  "Home  again,  home  again." 

There  came  an  opportunity  for  the  writer  to  give  ex- 
pression to  his  feelings,  but  his  words  failed  to  convey 
what  was  forcing  itself  upon  his  mind.  It  was  the  pic- 
ture of  a  sinking  ship  brought  to  land  and  all  on  board 
saved.  The  privilege  of  attending  lodge  meetings 
without  becoming  a  member  in  regular  standing  was 
abridged,  as  the  right  of  introducing  "  ancient  Odd  Fel- 
lows" was  accorded  only  to  Grand  or  Past  Grand  Offi- 
cers of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Maine. 

It  became  necessary,  in  order  that  the  writer  might 
enjoy  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  Odd  Fellowshi[), 
that  another  important  step  should  be  taken.  That 
was  to  obtain  the  requisite  certificates  of  former  mem- 
bership in  some  lodge  of  the  Order.  That  could  be  ac- 
complished only  by  correspondence  by  Grand  Secretary 
Banks,  of  Portland,  and  the  Grand  Secretary  of  the 
Lower  Province. 

In  the  absence  of  books  and  papers  belonging  to 
Acadia  Lodge,  which  had  lost  its  property  by  fire  and 
surrendered   its    charter   to    the    Grand  Lodge  of   the 


36  BINDING    OF   THE  LINKS. 

United  States,  the  correspondence  was  referred  to 
Grand  Secretary  Ridgely,  who  had  in  his  possession  a 
partly  burnt  book  containing  the  records  of  Acadia 
Lodge,  whereon  the  name  of  the  writer  was  entered, 
showing  him  to  have  been  reguhxrly  installed  Noble 
Grand.  An  attested  certificate  was  also  obtained  from 
some  of  the  Past  Officers  of  the  lodge  at  Halifax,  mak- 
ing it  clear  that  the  writer  had  honorably  severed  his 
connection  with  the  lodge  by  a  withdrawal  card.  These 
certificates  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  Grand  Secretary 
Banks,  who  issued  a  State  card  which  entitled  the 
holder  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  membership  in 
any  lodge  that  might  elect  him  thereto. 

This  intricate  and  perplexing  part  of  the  transaction 
having  been  successfully  accomplished,  the  next  matter 
was  to  establish  the  fact  of  membership  in  the  encamp- 
ment branch  of  the  Order.  That  was  a  more  difticult 
work,  as  the  writer  had  taken  no  card  of  withdrawal  at 
the  time  of  leaving  Halifax,  and  Mamberton  Encamp- 
ment had  become  defunct  a  few  years  later.  There  was 
no  Grand  Encampment  in  the  Lower  Province  of  Nova 
Scotia  at  the  time,  and  all  reports  of  Subordinate 
Encampments  were  made  direct  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of 
the  United  States.  The  only  authentic  evidence  that 
could  be  obtained  of  the  writer's  membership  in  Mam- 
berton Encampment  was  established  by  certificates  from 
past  officers  of  the  encampment,  sworn  to  before  a  Jus- 
tice of  the  Peace.  These  were  received  by  Grand  Scribe 
N.  G.  Cummings,  of  Portland,  and  a  State  card  was 
granted. 


J 


CHAPTER  IV. 

A   NEW   ODD   FELLOW   HOME. 

In  the  spring  of  1869,  the  writer  was  living  in  his  na- 
tive viUage,  and  had  in  his  possession  the  State  card 
issued  by  Grand  Secretary  Banks.  Business  called  him 
to  Bangor,  where  he  made  the  acquaintance  of  Grand 
Master  N.  G.  Colton,  to  whom  he  made  known  his  de- 
sire to  re-unite  with  the  Order.  After  listening  atten- 
tively to  the  writer,  the  venerable  Grand  Master  asked, 
"For  what  reason  do  you  desire  to  renew  your  member- 
ship in  the  Order?"  His  object  for  putting  such  a 
pointed  question  was  to  find  out  the  motive  that 
prompted  the  applicant.  The  writer's  answer  was, 
""That  he  wislied  to  re-unite  with  the  Order  to  enjoy 
the  privileges  of  attending  the  meetings  of  the  lodge; 
to  be  known  and  hailed  as  a  member  of  the  Fraternity." 
The  Grand  Master  questioned  the  point  of  the  writer's 
attending  the  meetings  of  lodges  in  Bangor,  while  his 
home  was  far  away  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State. 

The  State  card  with  a  petition  made  out  in  legal  form 
was  submitted  to  the  Noble  Grand  of  Oriental  Lodge, 
No.  60,  and  passed  into  the  Investigating  Committee's 
hands.  Accompanying  the  petition  and  fee  was  a  writ- 
ten agreement  signed  by  the  writer,  pledging  himself 
that  under  whatever  circumstances  he  might  be  placed, 
he  would  not  claim  benefits  on  account  of  sickness  or 
disability  so  long  as  he  should  make  a  permanent  home 


38  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

in  his  native  village,  or  where  there  were  no  lodges  of 
our  Order  Avithin  one  hundred  miles  from  his  home. 
The  agreement  was  accepted  as  a  part  of  the  contract 
of  membership  and  spread  upon  the  records  of  the 
lodge,  where  it  has  appeared  for  more  than  twenty 
years.  The  obligation  was  then  administered  to  the 
writer,  and  he  was  admitted  into  membership  among 
the  brothers  in  good  standing. 

The  city  of  Bangor  lay  at  the  west,  one  hun'dred  and 
fifteen  miles  from  the  writer's  home.  It  required 
twenty  hours  of  tedious  journeying  through  towns  and 
small  villages,  over  hills,  through  burnt  timber  lands, 
and  an  uninteresting  portion  of  the  country.  The 
journey  was  made  by  stage-coach  by  night  and  dnj. 

Having  again  secured  the  rights  and  privileges  be- 
longing to  members  of  the  Order,  it  was  his  desire  to 
enjoy  them.  The  one  most  highly  esteemed  was  the  fra- 
ternal gatherings  in  the  lodge-room  at  the  regular  meet- 
ings. In  order  to  obtain  the  coveted  boon  immediately, 
it  was  necessary  to  make  a  pilgrimage  to  that  city.  The 
sacrifices  made  and  the  special  efforts  put  forth  to  reach 
the  goal  greatl}^  enhanced  the  enjoyments  derived  from 
meeting  with  brothers  in  the  lodge  of  which  the  writer 
was  acknowledged  a  member.  The  adage,  "  That  which 
costs  the  most  is  the  most  valued,"  was  verified  in  the 
experience  of  the  writer  while  he  was  taking  rapid  steps 
from  the  stage  office  to  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  on  Excliange 
street,  to  spend  the  evening  hours  in  exchanging  greet- 
ing of  an  exalted  friendship  with  those  who  hailed 
and  welcomed  him  among  the  fraternity  of  Odd  Fellows. 
The  journey  was  made  regularly  for  three  consecutive 
years  by  stage. 


I 


BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS.  39 

111  due  time  railroad  communication  was  opened  over 
the  European  and  North  American  route  between  St. 
Stephen,  New  Brunswick,  and  Bangor,  Maine.  The 
distance  was  increased,  but  the  journey  was  made  less 
tedious  and  expeditiously  accomplished.  The  new  route 
gave  the  writer  an  opportunity  for  an  early  morning 
drive  of  twenty-two  miles  by  private  conveyance  to 
Calais,  where  he  arrived  in  time  to  connect  with  the 
train  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  St.  Croix  River.  The 
road  was  new  and  rough  and  circuitous,  and  devoid  of 
natural  attraction.  There  were  no  signs  of  New  Eng- 
land enterprise  and  thrift. 

The  train  arrived  at  Bangor  on  the  hour  of  opening 
the  lodge.  The  writer  had  his  choice  between  taking  a 
late  supper  and  tardy  attendance  at  the  lodge.  It  was 
to  meet  his  brethren  in  the  lodge  that  he  had  made  the 
journey.  The  craving  of  appetite  could  be  satisfied  at. 
a  later  hour,  but  the  opportunity  to  sit  in  his  own  lodge 
was  limited.  The  warm  shake  of  a  brother's  hand  and 
friendly  greetings  dispelled  the  desire  for  food.  They 
were  to  the  mind  what  manna  was  to  the  children  of 
Israel,  and  had  to  satisfy  the  wants  of  the  receiver  for 
a  much  longer  period. 

During  the  years  after  the  writer  had  regained  his 
membership  in  the  Order  he  made  occasional  visits  to 
Portland,  and  renewed  old  acquaintances  and  made 
many  new  and  pleasant  ones  among  the  members  of  the 
city  lodges. 

It  was  his  pleasure  to  witness  the  grand  public  cele- 
bration of  the  Order  by  the  lodges  and  encamj^ments  of 
the  State  in  1878,  and  enjoy  a  delightful  sail  down 
Casco  Bay.     A  mammouth  clam-bake  was  opened  on 


40  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

"Big  Hog  Island"  (now  Great  Diamond.)  It  was  a 
gala  day  for  members  of  the  Order,  who  joined  in  games 
and  sports.  The  sound  of  the  merry  voices  still  rino-s 
m  the  ears  of  the  writer. 

Another  interesting  event  in  the  memorj-  of  the 
writer  was  the  dedication  of  the  new  Odd  Fellows' 
Hall  at  Bangor,  April  27,  1872.  The  ceremonies  were 
conducted  by  Bro.  F.  M.  Laughton,  D.  D.  G.  M.,  as- 
sisted by  the  officers  and  members  of  Oriental  and 
Penobscot  Lodges.  There  were  present  on  that  mem- 
orable occasion  :  Bros.  N.  H.  Colton,  P.  G.  M. ;  Aaron 
Rowell,  P.  G.;  Dr.  M.  Preble,  P.  G.;  G.  A.  Davenport, 
P.  G. ;  E.  F.  Shaw,  P.  G. ;  and  C.  F.  Bragg,  P.  G.  Supper 
was  served  in  Temperance  Hall  and  the  rooms  of  the 
United  States  Pension  Agency,  followed  by  dancing  in 
Music  Hall  to  music  by  Andrews'  Orchestra.  Brothers 
Prescott,  Dakin,  Fuller,  Holt  and  Wyman  were  the 
floor  managers.  It  was  a  red-letter  day  in  tlie  life  of 
Bangor  Odd  Fellowship. 

RETURN   TO   BRITISH    SOIL. 

In  the  summer  of  1872  the  writer  was  employed  by 
the  proprietor  of  the  Eastjjort  SeMinel  as  traveling  cor- 
respondent for  that  paper,  and  given  a  roving  commis- 
sion by  Editor  Nutt.  The  wide  range  of  territory 
afforded  him  large  opportunities  for  seeing  and  "writing 
up"  matters  of  interest;  nothing  could  have  pleased 
tlie  writer  more  than  to  be  allowed  such  privileges. 

Among  the  many  places  visited  was  the  city  of  St. 
John,  N.  B.,  Windsor,  N.  S.,  and  his  old  home  at  Halifax, 
N.  S.  A  short  tarry  was  made  at  St.  John,  en  route 
through  the  Province  of  New  Brunswick.     A  day  was 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  41 

spent  at  the  elegant  residence  of  B.  R.  Lawrence,  Esq., 
one  of  the  leading  and  prosperons  l)usine.ss  men  of  that 
city.  Mr.  Lawrence  became  a  member  of  the  writer's 
family  (in  the  little  village  referred  to  in  the  introduc- 
tory chapter  of  this  book)  at  an  early  age.  There  he 
was  educated  and  spent  most  of  the  years  of  his  minor- 
ity in  the  store  and  counting-room.  The  re-union  after 
many  years  of  separation  was  a  pleasant  and  highly  en- 
joj'able  one.  Mr.  Lawrence  was  the  possessor  of  a 
large  landed  estate,  and  was  extensively  engaged  in 
shipping  and  mercantile  affairs.  He  had  at  his  com- 
mand all  the  prerequisites  for  intellectual  and  social 
enjoyment.  A  handsome  turnout,  a  span  of  grays  with 
barouche,  and  fast  sailing  steam  yacht,  furnished  all  the 
facilities  for  delightful  drives  and  harbor  excursions. 
While  comfortably  resting  within  the  home  of  one  so 
nearly  akin,  surrounded  by  luxury  and  refinement,  it 
would  hardly  be  possible  for  an  old  acquaintance  to  fail 
in  drinking  in  a  full  measure  of  enjoyment. 

At  the  close  of  the  day,  when  the  streets  of  the  city 
were  made  attractive  under  gas  light,  the  writer  wended 
his  way  to  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  and  there  made  the  ac- 
quaintance of  brothers  of  the  mystic  links.  Among  the 
earnest  workers  of  the  Order  in  that  city  and  in  the 
Lower  Province  of  British  North  America,  was  Hon. 
Andre  Gushing,  P.  G.  M.  His  name  appears  among 
tlie  Past  Grand  Representatives  in  that  jurisdiction  to- 
day. The  Order  had  made  good  progress  during  the 
writer's  absence  from  the -Province,  and  there  was  quite 
a  laige  membership  in  the  city  and  in  Portland,  the  ad- 
junct city,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  St.  John's  river. 
There  were  no  familiar  faces  in  the  lodge-room.      Time 


42  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

and  the  reaper  death,  had  wrought  many  changes. 
The  fittings  and  furnisliings  of  the  ""working  room," 
that  which  constitutes  a  lodge  of  Odd  Fellows,  is  always 
familiar  to  the  eye  of  a  member  of  the  Order,  whether 
he  be  at  home  or  in  a  strange  land, — these  are  household 
pictures  in  the  vast  domain  of  Odd  Fellowship. 

Leaving  St.  John  the  writer  journeyed  on  to   Wind- 
sor, N.  S.,  where  he  spent  a  day  and  night  enjoyably 
with  a  relative,  the  Hon.  D.  K.  Hobart,  American  Con- 
sul at   that   port.      A  pleasant  drive  about  the  town 
afforded  an  excellent  opportunity  to  "take  in"  all  the 
natural  attractions,  business  operations,  and  places  of 
historic  note.     One  of  interest  was  the  home   of  the 
late  Judge  Halliburton,  the  humorous  author  of  "Sam 
Slick."    Noticeable  changes  and  improvements  had  been 
made  since  the  writer  passed  through  the  town  sixteen 
years  before  on  his  homeward  journey  to  the  "States." 
Since  those  days  a  lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  had  been  established  in  the  town,  which 
was  fast  gaining  the  favor  and  support  of  the  best  citi- 
zens.    Mr.  Hobart  was  one  of  the  influential  members 
of    the   lodge,   and   he   led  the  way  to  the  place    of 
meeting,  where  the  writer  spent  an  hour  in  exchanging 
the  greetings  of  an  exalted  friendship  among  new-found 
brothers.      There  were  present  on  that  occasion  mem- 
bers of  the   "  Manchester  Unity   Odd  Fellows,"   (the 
English  Order.)     Having  found  much  of  good  in  the 
old  Order  they  sought  to  know  if  the  latter  was  a  more 
excellent  one.     There  was,  they  said,   "  but  a  slight  va- 
riation in  the  'make-up'  of  the  key  Avhicli  unlocks  the 
mysterious  closets  of  both  Orders."      But  that  small 
change  was  the  Babel  that  confounded  the  speech   of 
the  two  Orders. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  43 

A  few  hours'  travel  on  the  Intercolonial  Railway 
brought  the  writer  to  the  Cit}'  of  Halifax,  where  he 
sought  to  find  his  old  home  on  HoUis  street.  It  had 
been  spared  the  ravages  of  a  devastating  fire  which  had 
spread  over  the  city  years  before.  In  the  back  yard 
there  stood  the  large  elm  under  whose  branches  the 
writer  had  sat  many  an  hour  during  the  long  summer 
days  for  rest  and  reading.  There  appeared  the  initials 
of  his  name  plainly  in  sight,  bearing  the  date  when  the 
sharp  point  of  his  knife  cut  through  the  tender  l^ark. 
There  were  numerous  reminders  of  by-gone  days  about 
the  premises.  The  old  latch  chain  still  hung  on  the 
outer  door  as  it  did  in  ye  olden  time.  The  "  cat  holes" 
in  the  door  were  open  as  on  the  night  of  April  1st,  18 — , 
when  the  "bad  boy "  perpetrated  a  wicked  "all-fools- 
day  "  prank  on  the  venerable  Grand  Sire,  by  letting 
loose  a  large  tabby  cat  with  her  feet  incased  in  walnut 
shells,  secured  by  wax.  It  was  in  the  late  hours  of 
night  when  the  feline  was  "scat"  up  the  long  flight  of 
stairs,  with  rapping  steps,  through  the  open  door  into 
the  bed-chamber  of  the  peaceful  sleeper,  who  was  awak- 
ened by  the  strange  sound.  A  cold  sweat  started  from 
his  forehead  and  he  cried  out  in  fear  :  "Depart  from  me, 
oh,  ye  tormentors ! "  Down  in  the  lower  hall  stood  the 
"good-for-nothing  feller,"  splitting  his  sides  with  laugh- 
ter at  "the  joke  played  on  the  old  man." 

Few  familiar  faces  appeared  on  |he  streets.  The 
"Old  City  Book  Store"  which  in  former  daA^s  was  kept 
by  J\Ir.  Elbrjdge  Gerry  Fuller  (whose  ntime  is  associated 
with  that  of  the  writer  in  the  history  of  Halifax  Odd 
Fellowship  forty  years  ago)  was  at  this  time  in  posses- 
sion of  Mr.  "  Zeb "  Hall,  then  the  efficient  head  clerk 


44  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

of  the  establishment.  He  and  his  associate,  Mr.  Thomas 
M.  Bemis,  quickly  recognized  the  writer  as  he  crossed 
the  threshold  of  the  store  and  extended  to  him  a  cordial 
greeting.  Mr.  Hall  had  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  his 
worthy  predecessor,  and  gained  an  honorable  member- 
shijD  in  our  Order,  and  was  an  office-holder  in  Mystic 
Lodge. 

The  hours  of  the  day  were  pleasantly  spent  in  re- 
viewing places  of  interest  about  the  city.  The  site  of 
old  Acadia  Lodge  building  was  occupied  by  a  large 
granite  structure,  but  there  remained  no  visible  remind- 
er of  the  coming  and  going  of  the  brothers  to  their  old- 
time  weekly  gatherings.  But  the  heart  of  the  writer 
was  made  glad  when  he  entered  the  hall  of  Mystic 
Lodge.  Among  the  wall  decorations  and  furnishings 
of  the  officers'  stations  were  pictures  and  working  tools 
which  were  saved  from  the  ruins  of  old  Acadia  Lodge. 
Among  these  were  collars  and  aprons,  a  gavel,  a  few 
ode  cards,  the  "Venerable  Warden's "  support,  with  the 
initials  of  the  writer's  name,  cut  by  his  own  hand,  under 
the  physiognomy  of  that  sage  personage. 

Henry  A.  Taylor,  P.  G.  M.,  who  conducted  the 
writer  over  the  devious  road  on  the  night  of  his  initia- 
tion into  the  Order,  was  present  and  took  a  lively  inter- 
est in  lodge  business.  He  conducted  the  ante-room  ex- 
amination of  the  writer  on  liis  visiting  card,  and  intro- 
duced the  visitor  to  tlie  Noble  Grand. 

A  son  of  Brother  Taylor  was  conductor  of  Mystic 
Lodge  and  performed  his  j)art  in  the  initiatory  work  as 
creditably  as  did  his  father  years  before  he  was  eligible 
to  membership  in  the  Order.  When  the  proper  time 
arrived,  the  writer  gave  utterance  to  his  pent-up  feelings 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 


45 


and  made  known  to  the  yonnger  members  of  the 
lodge  many  pleasing  and  strange  thhigs  relatmg  to  Odd 
Fellowship  in  that  eity  in  years  past.  At  the  close  of 
the  meeting  he  was  permitted  to  appropriate  some  of 
the  relics  belonging  to  old  Acadia  Lodge,  which  were 
near  to  his  heart.  A  few  of  these  souvenirs  he  has 
sacredly  treasured  up  to  the  present  time. 


CHAPTER   V. 

CHANGE   OF   BUSINESS. 

In  the  spring  ol'  1874,  the  writer  purchased  of  Mr. 
William  K.  Moody  a  half  interest  in  the  Somerset  Re- 
porter newspaper  and  job  printing  office  at  Skowhegan, 
Maine,  and  performed  the  duties  of  editor  and  publish- 
er to  the  best  of  his  ability.  The  writer's  experiences 
during  those  years  of  editorial  life  may  be  better  de- 
scribed by  the  words  of  Carlton  than  his  own  : 

"  The  editor  sat  in  bis  sanctum,  his  countenance  furrowed  with 

care ; 
His  mind  at  the  bottom  of  business,  his  feet  at  the  top  of  a  chair; 
His  arm-cliair  an  elbow  supporting,  his  right  hand  up-holding  his 

head; 
His  eyes  on  a  dusty  old  table,  with  different  documents  spread. 

The  editor  dreamily  pondered  on  several  ponderous  things; 
On  different  lines  of  action,  and  pulling  of  different  strings. 
Upon  some  equivocal  doings,  and  some  unequivocal  duns; 
On  how  few  of  his  numerous  pati'ous  were  quietly  prompt  paying 
ones. 

On  friends  who  subscribed  "just  to  help  him"  and  needy  encour- 
agement lent; 

And  had  given  him  plenty  of  counsel  but  never  had  paid  him  a 
cent. 

On  vinegar  kind-hearted  people  were  feeding  every  hour; 

Who  saw  not  the  work  they  were  doing,  but  wondered  that  print- 
ers are  sour. 

It  ain't  much  to  get  up  a  paper — it  needn't  take  long  for  to  learn; 

He  could  feed  the  machine,  I'm  tliinkin',  with  a  good  strappin' 
fellow  to  turn; 

And  things  that  were  once  hard  in  doin',  is  easy  enough  now  to  do; 

Just  keep  yora-  eye  on  the  machine,  and  crack  your  arrangements 
through. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  47 

And  'tis  thus  with  oiu-  noljle  profession  and  thus  it  will  ever  be 

still. 
There  are  some  who  appreciate  its  labors,  aud  some  who  iicrhaps 

never  will. 
But  in  the  great  time  that  is  coming,  when  loudly  the  trumpet 

shall  sound; 
And   they  that  have  labored  and   rested  shall  come  from    the 

quivering  ground ; 

When  they  who  have  striven  and  suffered  to  teach  and  enoble  the 
race, 

Shall  march  at  the  front  of  the  column  each  one  in  his  God-given 
place; 

As  they  pass  through  the  gates  of  the  city  with  proud  and  victor- 
ious tread, 

The  editor,  printer  and  'devil,'  will  travel  not  far  from  the  head." 

Two  years  after  taking  control  of  the  Somerset  Re- 
porter, the  first  number  of  tlie  Maine  Free  31ason  and 
Odd  Fellow  was  issued  from  the  same  office,  published 
by  the  proprietors  of  the  Rei^orter  and  edited  by  a 
member  of  both  Orders. 

During  the  years  in  which  the  writer  was  engaged  in 
newspaper  publishing  in  Skowhegan,  he  received  kind- 
est attention  from  members  of  the  newspaper  fraternity 
in  their  editorial  notices,  and  the  free  exchange  of 
privileges  in  the  editorial  sanctum  and  offices.  One  of 
the  enjoyments  afforded  was  the  annual  re-union  of  the 
members  of  the  Maine  Press  Association  and  the  vaca- 
tion excursions  to  States  and  countries  remote,  where 
new  and  strange  sights  enlightened  the  intellect  and 
pleased  the  eye.  Such  rare  opportunities  for  enjoy- 
ment and  instruction  could  not  have  come  to  the  writer 
through  any  other  channel  than  membership  in  the 
Maine  Press  Association. 


48  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

EXCURSION   TO   QUEBEC. 

One  of  tlie  most  interesting  and  memorable  events 
connected  with  the  writer's  membership  with  the  Maine 
Press  Association  was  the  vacation  excursion  to  Quebec, 
Canada,  in  Jul}^  1878,  in  which  fifty-one  members  of 
the  association  and  invited  guests  participated. 

The  party  was  furnished  with  a  special  train  by  the 
management  of  the  Poitland  and  Ogdensburg  road,  and 
permitted  to  enjoy  a  delightful  ride  through  the  moun- 
tains, during  which  they  obtained  a  fine  view  of  the 
Franconia  range;  Mts.  Crawford,  Pleasant,  Franklin 
and  Munroe. 

From  the  cupola  of  the  Sinclair  House  the  towering 
peaks  of  the  White  Mountains  were  seen  in  the  dis- 
tance ;  also  ]\lt.  Washington  and  the  Summit  House. 

Passing  on  through  thriving  villages,  well-cultivated 
farms,  beautiful  lakes  and  rivers,  the  tourists  arrived  at 
Point  Levis,  which  is  the  principal  station  for  Quebec 
and  Montreal  steamships.  At  this  point  the  party  em- 
barked on  board  the  staunch  steamer  "  Saguenary,"  of 
the  St.  Lawrence  Steam  Navigation  Company,  kindl}* 
furnished  by  Henr}^  F.  Bellows,  Esq.,  of  Quebec. 

A  very  enjoyable  sail  of  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  miles  was  had  down  the  St.  Lawrence  and  up  the 
Saguenary,  passing  in  full  view  of  the  Isle  of  Orleans, 
where  General  Wolfe  landed.  The  island  is  twenty 
miles  long  and  is  an  interesting  spot  to  American  tour- 
ists. Near  by  it  is  Gross  Island,  the  quarantine  station 
of  Quebec.  The  next  point  of  interest  was  Murray 
Bay,  a  delightful  summer  resort.  At  Tudausae,  near 
the  entrance  of  the  Saguenary,  is  the  residence  of  the 


BINDING    OP   THE   LINKS.  49 

higli  officials  and  populace  of  the  city  during  the  vaca- 
timi  season.  Salmon  abound  in  these  waters  and  game 
is  abundant  in  the  woods  near  by.  Lord  Duffeiin,  then 
Governor-General  of  Canada,  and  his  accomplished  lady, 
made  tliat  place  their  summer  home. 

At  Ha !  Ha !  Bay,  an  interesting  point  of  landing,  a 
short  tarry  was  made,  and  some  of  the  party  improved 
the  opportunity  to  look  about  the  quaint  village. 

The  writer  employed  a  native  to  drive  him  and  lady 
friends  to  the  old  church.  The  vehicle  furnished  was  a 
buck-board, — the  French  "  Calash."  The  driver  was 
after  the  Jehu  kind.  He  made  free  use  of  the  lash  and 
subjected  the  occupants  of  the  carriage  to  much  discom- 
fiture when  jolting  over  stones  and  rough  roads. 

The  writer  having  only  a  vague  understanding  of  the 
Canadian  French  language,  misconceived  the  true  mean- 
ing of  the  word  "mwsA-t?aw,"  and  used  it  frequently 
and  with  vehemence,  supposing  the  driver  would  more 
readily  understand  than  if  spoken  in  English,  "  go  slow." 
But  "  mush-daw,'^  repeated,  induced  the  very  accommo- 
dating driver  to  a  freer  use  of  the  whip  to  increase 
the  locomotion  of  the  donkey.  The  'French  words  in- 
dicating the  opposite  to  "  mush-daw,^'  or  "  g'lang,"  were 
unknown  to  the  Yankee  travelers,  and  they  were 
doomed  to  be  "  well  shaken  before  taken  "  to  the  ob- 
jective point. 

Some  idea  of  the  character  and  style  of  the  dwellings 
in  that  country  may  be  had  in  looking  upon  the  small 
houses  built  of  wood,  stone  or  logs — one  story,  with 
thatched  roofs.  The  outside  walls  are  covered  with 
birch  bark,  secured  by  a  strip  of  wood.  The  dwellings 
constructed  of  wood  are  covered  by  a  thin  coating  of 
})laster  to  keep  out  the  cold  winter  weather. 
3 


50  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

The  scenery  along  the  coast  on  our  return  trip  was 
grand  and  picturesque.  Points  "  Eternity  "  and  "  Trin- 
ity "  came  up  boldly  to  view,  rising  from  fifteen  hun- 
dred to  seventeen  hundred  feet.  As  the  steamer  neared 
the  overhanging  cliffs  rising  fifteen  hundred  feet  above 
the  water,  the  company  assembled  on  the  steamer's  deck 
and  reverently  sang  "Rock  of  Ages." 

The  party  accepted  an  invitation  from  Lord  and  Lady 
Dufferin  to  a  reception  and  tea  at  their  quarters  in  the 
citadel,  and  were  entertained  in  royal  style.  The  cita- 
del occupied  an  elevation  of  three  hundred  feet  above 
the  river  and  afforded  a  grand  view  of  the  harbor. 

The  Quebec  Press  Association  tendered  the  frater- 
nity a  fine  reception  and  accompanied  them  on  a  drive 
in  coaches  about  the  city,  and  to  the  Governor's  Garden, 
Ursuline  Convent,  Laval  University  and  other  public 
buildings,  making  it  one  of  the  notable  events  in  the 
life  of  the  association. 

As  no  opportunity  is  allowed  to  pass  to  visit  lodges 
and  make  the  acquaintance  of  members  of  the  Order, 
the  writer  sought  out  the  place  of  the  brothers'  meeting 
in  that  city,  and  received  a  cordial  welcome  from  the 
Past  Grand  Master  Kines  and  other  prominent  repre- 
sentatives of  the  Order,  and  learned  from  them  much 
of  interest  concerning  Odd  Fellowship  in  the  Dominion 
of  Canada. 

CAERABASSET   LODGE. 

At  the  time  the  writer  located  in  Skowhegan,  there 
was  a  lack  of  interest  in  Odd  Fellowship  among  the 
members  of  Carrabasset  Lodge,  No.  34.  The  old  work- 
ers had  become  worn  and  weary  "  with  the  heat  and  bur- 
dens of  the  dav."     Some  of  them  had  gone  to  rest  and 


BINDING   OP   THE   LINKS.  51 

not  many  of  tlie  }'<)uiig"  men  were  attracted  by  tlie  sights 
and  sounds  of  what  was  represented  by  the  unfriendly 
to  be  Odd  Fellowship.  It  was  the  practice  of  the 
writer  to  attend  the  weekly  meetings  of  the  lodge  and 
speak  a  word  for  the  "  good  and  welfare  "  of  the  Order. 
There  was  a  call  for  assistance,  and  it  seemed  to  be  a 
good  opportunity  for  a  member  of  the  Order,  who 
really  desired  to  advance  its  interests  and  build  up  the 
waste  places,  to  render  such  aid  as  he  might  be  able  by 
voice  and  pen.  There  was  no  lack  in  number  of  mem- 
bers enrolled  or  financial  ability  of  the  lodge  to  meet 
all  the  obligations  required  by  the  bj'-laws,  but  the 
causes  which  undermine  and  sever  the  fraternal  bonds 
of  union  in  good  organizations  had  begun  their  work  of 
discord  in  this  old  lodge,  which  had  fought  its  way 
through  much  tribulation,  and  had  come  off  victorious 
under  the  valiant  leader  and  protector  of  the  lodge 
charter,  Past  Grand  Sawyer,  whose  name  will  go  down 
through  the  annals  of  Maine  Odd  Fellowship,  honored 
and  beloved  by  all  members  of  the  Order. 

After  carefully  considering  the  matter  the  writer 
called  for  a  withdrawal  card  from  Oriental  Lodge  at 
Bangor. 

If  the  change  was  made  in  consideration  of  better 
pecuniary  advantages  in  the  payment  of  weekly  bene- 
fits, it  must  be  attributable  to  lack  of  judgment  in  tlie 
writer,  as  there  was  a  difference  of  three  dollars  a  week 
in  the  amount  paid  by  the  two  lodges,  the  excess  com- 
ing from  the  lodge  the  writer  had  taken  his  withdrawal 
from.  The  matter  of  weekly  benefits  or  pecuniary  aid 
had  never  been  taken  into  the  account  of  lodge  mem- 
bership.    It  would  be  time  to  seek  such  assistance  when 


52  BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS. 

the  hour  of  sickness  and  want  demanded  it.  The  witli- 
drawal  card  was  readily  granted  by  the  old  lodge  and 
freely  accepted  by  the  members  of  Carrabasset,  and  the 
writer  came  into  full  membership.  The  State  card 
which  had  been  granted  by  the  Grand  Encampment  of 
Maine  was  deposited  in  Colby  (now  Parmenas)  En- 
campment of  Skowhegan,  and  the  connecting  link  in 
both  branches  of  the  Order  was  again  made  complete. 

A  new  and  active  life  was  opening  up  to  the  writer 
in  journalism  and  the  work  of  the  Order.  It  needed 
line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon  precept,  to  remove  old 
prejudices  and  train  the  minds  of  well-disposed  men  in 
the  right  channel  of  thought  and  action  regarding  the 
nature  and  true  objects  of  Odd  Fellowship. 

The  members  of  the  lodge  resolved  to  work  for  the 
interest  of  the  lodge  and  Order  and  put  their  resolutions 
into  practice.  Before  many  months  had  elapsed  peti- 
tions for  membership  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Sec- 
retary. There  was  a  new  epoch  in  the  history  of  the 
lodge.  Men  of  business  and  influence  sought  to  know 
more  about  the  Order,  and  some  of  the  honored  and 
best  citizens  asked  admission  to  the  lodge. 

The  day  of  prosperity  began  to  dawn  and  the  old 
order  of  things  rapidly  passed  away.  Years  came  and 
went,  but  there  was  no  retrograde  movement  in  Odd 
Fellowship.  The  anniversary  seasons  were  celebrated 
and  made  joyful  by  the  presence  of  brethren  and  their 
wives  who  had  been  instructed  in  the  mysteries  of  the 
Rebekah  Degree. 

The  writer  does  not  forget  that  he  was  made  to  share 
largely  in  the  honors  which  sometimes  come  to  the 
faithful  worker.     It  is  no  small  honor  to  be  inducted 


BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS.  53 

the  second  time  into  the  chair  of  the  Noble  Grand  and 
be  twice  hailed  Chief  Patriarch  of  an  encampment. 
Such  honors  have  fallen  to  the  writer.  Althongh, 
through  misfortune,  he  has  been  shorn  of  the  proud 
title  he  had  twice  gained  among  the  patriarchs,  he  will 
never  forget  the  sublime  teachings  of  the  "  Golden  Rule,' 
which  would  have  all  men  imitate  the  example  of  the 
perfect  Master :  "  Whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  do 
unto  you,  do  ye  even  so  unto  them." 

DARKENING   CLOUDS. 

Trouble,  change  and  sickness  are  the  lot  of  man,  and 
they  come  unbidden.  Such  was  the  lot  of  the  writer. 
The  storms  of  adversity  gathered  about  him,  and  the 
wind  of  misfortune  swept  away  his  property  and  health. 
It  was  then  the  time  to  test  the  sincerity  of  professed 
friends.  There  were  many  who  stood  firm  and  proffered 
a  helping  hand,  while  others  vanished  out  of  sight. 
Like  the  priest  and  the  robber,  "  they  passed  by  on  the 
other  side."  But  the  good  Samaritan  was  there,  and  ex- 
tended a  brother's  hand  and  conducted  him  to  the  inn 
of  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth,  where  he  was  made  the 
subject  of  tender  care  because  he  was  an  Odd  Fellow. 

NEW    LODGES    AND   HALLS. 

It  was  the  privilege  of  the  writer  to  participate  in 
many  social  festivities  and  fraternal  gatherings  of  the 
Order  during  the  years  he  was  serving  in  the  various 
appointed  and  elective  offices  in  the  lodge  and  encamp- 
ment at  Skowhegan.  He  vividly  calls  to  mind  some  of 
the  interesting  events  connected  with  the  institution  of 
Phlentoma  Lodge,  No.  51,  at  Pittsfield,  in  1877 ;    also, 


64  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

the  gatliering-  at  Water1)oro,  at  the  institution  of  En- 
terprise Lodge,  No.  36,  in  1880,  and  the  large  assem- 
blage of  brotliers  and  strangers  at  Fairfield  to  witness 
the  open-air  celebration  and  dedication  of  the  new 
hall  of  Fairfield  Lodge.  The  grand  disphiy  by  uni- 
formed patriarchs  from  Portland,  Lewiston  and  Auburn, 
was  a  novel  spectacle  to  hundreds  of  people  who  had 
never  before  witnessed  such  a  demonstration  in  Odd 
Fellowship.  The  public  parade,  address,  banquet  and 
exercises  at  North  New  Portland,  under  the  auspices 
of  Lemon  Stream  Lodge,  were  among  the  interesting 
events  of  the  times  which  cling  to  the  memory  and 
awaken  recollections  of  what  transpired  at  the  gather- 
ing of  tliousands  of  men,  women  and  children  to  wit- 
ness the  demonstrations  in  dedicating  Plymouth  Lodge 
hall  at  Dexter,  and  the  imposing  ceremonies  at  the  ded- 
ication of  the  new  hall  of  Samaritan  Lodge  at  Water- 
ville. 

There  was  an  event  of  special  interest  which  remains 
fresh  in  the  memory  of  the  writer,  and  which  will  con- 
tinue with  him  so  long  as  his  mind  is  unimpaired.  It 
was  the  occasion  of  the  public  installation  of  the  officers 
of  Carrabasset,  Fairfield  and  Samaritan  Lodges,  collect- 
ively, at  Coburn  Hall  in  Skowhegan,  in  1876.  Brother 
Horace  A.  Toward  was  then  Noble  Grand  elect,  and 
the  writer  was  Vice  Grand  elect.  The  installation  ser- 
vice was  conducted  b}^  District  Deputy  Grand  Master 
Rackliffe,  of  Fairfield,  assisted  by  other  Grand  Officers. 
The  officers  elect  of  the  three  lodges  were  seated  upon 
the  platform  in  full  view  of  a  large  audiejice  of  wit- 
nesses. At  the  close  of  the  service,  a  most  interesting 
and    able    address   was   delivered   by   Hon.   Benjamin 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  55 

Kingsbury,  P.  G.  M.,  of  Portland.  The  evening  of  fes- 
tivities closed  with  a  banquet  and  dancing,  in  which 
many  persons  participated. 

There  came  into  the  life  and  experience  of  the  writer 
many  pleasant  events  during  his  term  as  installing  offi- 
cer in  the  encampment  branch  of  the  Order,  by  virtue 
of  a  commission  of  D.  D.  G.  P.,  issued  by  Grand  Patri- 
arch Joshua  Davis,  in  187G. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ANOTHER    CHANGE. 

It  was  a  sad  and  trying  hour  when  circumstances 
made  it  necessary  for  the  writer  to  sever  his  connection 
with  business  and  the  old  associations  that  had  bound 
him  for  a  number  of  years  closely  to  the  people  and  the 
town  of  his  adoption.  To  seek  out  a  new  home  among 
strangers  was  no  easy  or  pleasant  thing  to  do.  But  the 
change  was  made  in  the  opening  spring  of  1871. 

A  quiet  home  was  found  within  sight  of  Bramhall,  in 
the  "Forest  City."  Months  of  sickness  and  suffering 
followed  the  "  new  departure,"  but  the  afflicted  was  not 
left  without  attention  and  care. 

"A  stranger  trod  with  weary  feet 

A  distant  city's  crowded  ways; 
Along  each  thronged  and  busy  street 

He  passed  with  anxious,  wistful  gaze. 
No  friendly  glance  returned  his  own, 

No  cheerful  greeting  bade  him  stand; 
Amid  the  crowd  he  moved  alone, 

And  longed  to  grasp  a  brother's  hand. 

A  strange  device  this  sailor  bore — 

Three  links  cut  from  a  golden  chain; 
A  i^asser  marked  the  badge  he  wore, 

And  checked  his  speed  to  look  again ; 
Then  stopped,  advanced,  by  word  and  tone 

Welcomed  the  wanderer  as  his  friend; 
Though  stranger's  glance  had  met  his  own, 

He  knew  he  grasped  a  brother's  hand. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  57 

There  were  kind  brothers  of  the  mystic  circle  in  that 
city  who  answered  the  signal  of  distress  and  ministered 
to  his  needs. 

There  was  a  worthy  member  of  Ligonia  Lodge, 
Brother  Burnell,  near  at  hand,  and  he  promptly  obeyed 
the  first  command  of  our  Order,  and  the  second  com- 
mand was  heartily  fulfilled  by  Brother  T.  Frank  Jones, 
one  of  the  Visiting  Committee  of  the  same  lodge  as 
Brother  Burnell.  The  same  friendly  hand  was  ex- 
tended by  Brother  Jones  in  the  hour  of  distress  that 
was  grasped  by  the  writer,  twelve  years  before,  "  away 
down  east"  in  his  native  village.  Brother  Jones  spared 
no  pains  to  render  aid  and  comfort  to  the  sufferer.  What 
was  deficient  in  supplying  pecuniary  and  material  as- 
sistance by  the  lodge  of  which  the  writer  was  a  mem- 
ber was  generously  donated  by  the  brothers  of  the  city 
lodges.  They  gathered  daily  about  his  bed-side  and 
spoke  words  of  cheer  and  comfort.  They  were  mes- 
sengers of  mercy  and  good  will. 

When  the  trees  were  decked  with  soft  foliage,  and 
the  bright  summer  sun  carried  joy  to  the  heart,  return- 
ing health  imparted  strength  and  vitality  to  the  invalid, 
causing  him  to  rise  and  stand  upon  his  feet  again. 

The  writer  sought  employment  to  busy  his  mind  and 
hands  and  earn  an  honest  livelihood.  There  were  no 
vacancies  in  the  newspaper  offices  to  be  sujiplied  by 
country  editors  or  reporters  ;  all  the  avenues  for  obtain- 
ing work  in  that  direction  were  closed.  He  applied  to 
Grand  Secretary  Davis  for  a  clerkship  in  that  office,  but 
no  clerical  work  was  required.  What  could  he  find  to 
do?  That  was  a  serious  question  and  there  was  no  one 
who    could   give    a    satisfactory   answer.     "  To  dig  he 


58  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

could  not,  to  beg  he  was  ashamed."  When  tliose  words 
were  uttered  the  way  was  open  that  brought  an  answer 
to  his  request.  Brother  Davis,  in  his  heart  of  pity  and 
sympathy  for  one  like  himself  physically  disabled,  de- 
vised a  plan  whereby  the  writer  might  benefit  himself 
and  at  the  same  time  disseminate  Odd  Fellow  literature 
among  the  members  of  the  Fraternity. 

Among  the  various  sample  copies  of  Odd  Fellow  pub- 
lications lying  upon  the  Secretary's  table  was  The  Odd 
Felloiv's  Register — a  neat,  newsy  monthly  journal,  edited 
and  published  by  Mr.  M.  M.  Reynolds,  at  East  Green- 
wich, R.  I.  The  subscription  price  was  fifty  cents  a 
year.  Brother  Davis  tliought  that  a  large  number  of 
subscribers  might  be  obtained  for  the  journal  in  Port- 
land and  vicinity,  there  being  upwards  of  twenty-five 
hundred  members  of  the  Order  in  the  six  lodges.  Let- 
ters of  inquiry  were  dispatched  to  brother  Reynolds  by 
the  writer,  accompanied  by  endorsements  from  Brother 
Davis.  In  due  time  answer  came  from  the  publisher 
expressing  his  readiness  for  the  writer  to  take  hold  of 
the  paper  and  work  up  a  large  list  of  subscribers.  The 
compensation  offered  was  liljeral  and  encouraged  faith- 
ful efforts. 

The  writer  thought  he  might  be  able  to  obtain  fifty 
names  in  the  city.  This,  as  it  afterward  proved,  showed 
his  weak  faith. 

It  was  on  a  delightful  August  morning  when  a  jovial 
company  of  Odd  Fellows  boarded  an  excursion  train  for 
a  day's  outing  at  Lake  Maranacook,  a  few  miles  distant 
from  the  town  of  Winthrop  on  the  line  of  the  Maine 
Central  Railroad.  The  day  was  fine  and  the  journey 
was    made    enjoyable    by   music    and   song.      Joshua 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  59 

(Davis)  was  tlie  leader  of  the  chosen  people.  His  gen- 
ial countenance  lit  up  the  way  and  put  the  "  boys  "  in 
good  humor. 

It  was  a  day  of  new  adventure  to  the  writer.  The 
first  name  on  the  Register's  subscription  list  was  to  be 
obtained  that  day.  "  Who  shall  it  be  ?  "  was  the  query. 
In  the  study  of  human  nature  a  valuable  lesson  had 
been  learned,  which,  if  rightly  heeded,  might  insure  suc- 
cess to  a  person  asking  favors  of  his  fellow-man.  "  The 
man  of  understanding  "  lays  it  down  as  a  rule  never  to 
ask  a  person  to  purchase  an  article  that  he  is  not  great- 
ly in  need  of,  or  does  not  fully  comprehend  its  value, 
while  he  is  watching  the  hands  of  the  clock,  that  he 
may  be  the  first  at  the  dinner  table.  A  full  stomach 
begets  sociability,  and  the  man  of  pleasure  lets  go  his 
grip  from  the  pocket-book  or  purse  strings  while  light- 
ing the  match  to  regale  himself  with  his  favorite  cigar. 
It  was  in  such  a  happy  frame  of  mind  that  the  writer 
found  George  E.  Ken  worthy,  Jr.,  Past  Grand  of  An- 
cient Brothers'  Lodge,  on  that  day.  It  required  but  a 
few  words  from  the  representative  of  the  Register  to  oh- 
tain  that  good  brother's  name  and  the  amount  of  a  sub- 
scription. 

The  ball  had  been  set  in  motion.  Other  brothers 
followed  his  worthy  example,  and  very  soon  the  heart 
of  the  writer  was  made  glad  by  many  names  and  much 
money.  When  the  hour  for  returning  homeward  came 
round,  twenty  names  had  been  placed  on  the  list. 
There  was  hope  in  the  fainting  heart.  The  work  of  so- 
liciting continued  daily  on  the  streets  among  business 
men  who  were  members  of  the  Order,  in  stores,  offices 
and  work-shops.      There  was  a  ready  response  to  the 


60  BIlSrDIISIG    OF   THE   LINKS. 

writer's  calls.  In  a  very  short  time  the  list  had  in- 
creased to  fifties  and  hundreds.  Kind  brothers  eveiy- 
where  took  special  delight  in  rendering  assistance  and 
advancing  the  \A'ork. 

Prominent  among  those  who  rendered  valuable  assist- 
ance were  J.  Henry  Crockett,  P.  G.  M. ;  Philip  F. 
Turner,  P.  G. ;  H.  P.  Cox,  P.  G.  M. ;  Benjamin  Kings- 
bury, P.  G.  M. ;  Wm.  H.  Smith,  P.  G.  P. ;  Brothers 
David  Moulton,  Isaac  Merrill,  Jr.,  and  our  late  brother 
George  H.  Cloudman,  P.  G.,  Charles  Paine,  Simeon 
Malone,  and  many  others  whose  names  will  long  be 
remembered  by  the  writer  for  their  words  and  deeds 
of  love  and  friendship. 

Before  Portland  had  been  nearly  canvassed,  the 
writer  extended  his  work  into  towns  adjoining  the  city. 
The  members  of  Ammoncongin  Lodge,  at  Cumberland 
Mills,  were  waited  upon  with  a  letter  of  introduction  to 
Past  Grand  Edward  W.  Ayer,  from  Past  Grand  INIaster 
J.  H.  Crockett.  Brother  Ayer  was  superintendent  of 
Messrs.  S.  D.  Warren  Co.'s  paper  mills  in  that  village. 

After  reading  the  communication  from  Brother 
Crockett,  Brother  Ayer  inquired  into  the  subject  in 
question,  and  kindly  offered  to  render  any  assistance  in 
his  power  to  obtain  the  subscription  of  employees  in  the 
mills  who  might  be  interested  in  reading  Odd  Fellow 
literature.  The  work  was  quickly  done  and  the  writer 
not  only  had  the  pleasure  of  making  the  acquaintance 
of  the  brothers  of  Ammoncongin  Lodge,  but  also  had 
the  privilege  of  looking  over  the  vast  paper  manufactur- 
ing establishment,  and  being  instructed  in  the  modus 
operandi  by  one  who  had  been  engaged  in  the  business 
many  years,  and  was  thoroughly  ac(|uainted    with    it. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  61 

Through  the  efforts  of  Brother  Ayer,  the  name  of  every 
member  of  the  Order  employed  on  the  "day  tower"  was 
obtained.     Others  were  secured  on  the  following  day. 
until  the  full  membership  of  the  lodge  were  made  pa- 
trons of  the  Regiister. 

The  writer  was  also  indebted  to  brothers  C.  W.  Mace, 
A.  C.  Chute,  C.  W.  Foy,  C.  B.  Holt,  H.  A.  Hunt  and 
D.  T.  Swain  for  favors  and  friendly  assistance.  With 
the  opening  spring  came  large  additions  of  names  and 
money. 

It  was  a  part  of  the  writer's  duty,  in  increasing  the 
circulation  and  welfare  of  the  Re[/ister,  to  furnish 
monthly  letters  for  publication,  "writing  up"  lodge 
news,  the  week's  happenings,  and  pleasant  events  con- 
nected with  excursions,  social  gatherings,  etc.  This  was 
an  agreeable  duty  to  person,  but  unsatisfactory  for  the 
reason  that  the  paper  was  small  and  allowed  limited 
space  to  correspondents. 

The  writer's  first  letter  appeared  in  the  September 
number,  1881.  That  was  a  specially  marked  paper,  dis- 
playing on  the  first  page  an  excellent  wood-cut  pic-ture 
of  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  Boston.  The  two  hundred  and 
fifty  subscribers  who  received  that  number  perused  it 
with  great  interest.  It  was  a  clean,  bright  sheet  filled 
with  interesting  and  instructive  matter  of  interest  to 
the  Order.  In  addition  to  the  writer's  letters,  it  con- 
tained the  usual  monthly  installment  of  Maine  news 
from  the  pen  of  "R.  G.  D.,"  who  had  been  a  rcgidar 
and  valuable  correspondent  of  the  paper  for  a  number 
of  years. 

The  little  paper  gained  popularity  wherever  it  was  in- 
troduced.   The  writer  visited  Saco,  Biddeford,  Lewistou, 


62  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

Auburn,  Hallowell,  Gardiner,  Augusta,  Belfast,  Rock- 
land and  Bath,  and  within  a  few  months  a  large 
portion  of  the  State  was  canvassed  and  hundreds  of 
names  swelled  the  list  to  thousands.  The  success  of  the 
writer  far  exceeded  his  most  sanguine  expectations. 
It  even  astonished  the  editor  and  publisher,  who  was  at 
times  perplexed  in  calculating  the  number  of  sheets 
necessary  to  supply  the  large  orders  for  "new  subs." 
The  good  State  of  Maine  with  its  fourteen  thousand  Odd 
Fellows  was  passed  by  for  a  season,  and  the  old  "■  Bay 
State"  was  made  the  field  of  canvass. 

In  order  to  start  right  and  win  success  in  the  "new 
departure,"  it  was  deemed  advisible  for  the  writer  to 
carry  with  him  proper  vouchers  and  letters  of  introduc- 
tion to  obtain  the  acquaintance  and  co-operation  of 
brothers  and  friends.  Accordingly,  carefully  written 
letters  were  obtained  from  Silas  W.  Cook,  G.  M.; 
Joshua  Davis,  Grand  Secretary;  Henry  P.  Cox,  P.  G. 
M. ;  Byron  Kimball,  P.  G.  M.;  and  William  H.  Smith, 
P.  G.  R.;  J.  Henry  Crockett,  D.  G.  M.,  with  other 
Grand  Officers  and  prominent  members  of  the  Order  in 
Maine. 

The  lirst  lodge  visited  by  the  writer  was  Richard  W. 
Drown,  in  the  city  of  Lynn,  and  the  first  brother  to  ex- 
tend the  hand  of  welcome  on  that  memorable  evening 
was  Brother  E.  K.  Storer,  the  first  Past  Grand  of  that 
new  lodge.  He  was  formerly  a  resident  of  Richmond, 
Maine,  and  there  went  out  from  his  heart  tender  emo- 
tions of  brotherly  regard  for  one  who  hailed  from  his 
native  State. 

The  young  lodge  had  much  business  to  transact.  The 
attendance  was  larsre  and  the  brothers  were  earnest  in 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  63 

their  work.  It  was  a  late  hour  when  "good  and  wel- 
fare "  was  announced,  but  the  members  remained  to 
learn  what  the  visiting  brother  had  to  say,  and  all  lis- 
tened attentively.  There  was  a  ready  response  to  the 
call  for  subscriptions  to  the  only  journal  of  Odd  Fel- 
lowship published  in  New  England. 

The  writer  remained  in  the  city  two  weeks,  visiting 
shoe  shops,  climbing  long  flights  of  stairs  into  the  third 
and  fourth  stories  of  massive  brick  blocks.  It  was  a 
difficult  and  laborious  job  to  perform.  Oftentimes  the 
uninitiated  was  obliged  to  depend  on  a  faithful  guide  to 
conduct  him  safely  through  the  devious  waj^s  to  St. 
Crispin's  retreat.  But  perseverance  and  push  made  it 
possible  to  surmount  all  difficulties.  The  adage  that 
"Shoemakers  spend  their  money  freely,"  was  verified 
in  the  experience  of  the  writer,  when  he  appeared 
among  them.  In  less  than  a  fortnight  over  two  huncbed 
names  were  added  to  the  subscription  list  in  that  city. 

A    VISIT   TO    RHODE   ISLAND. 

The  ball  was  kept  rolling  night  and  day.  When  the 
last  installment  of  names  and  money  had  been  received 
by  the  publisher  of  the  Ref/iste?;  he  sent  a  kind  invita- 
tion to  the  writer  to  visit  him  at  his  home  in  East 
Greenwich,  R.  I.  The  request  was  in  accord  with  the 
desire  of  the  writer,  who  lost  no  time  in  making  the 
necessary  preparation  for  the  journey,  taking  the  early 
morning  train  for  Boston  and  Providence. 

It  was  at  a  late  hour  in  the  afternoon  when  the  writer 
entered  Mr.  Reynold's  office  and  made  himself  known  to 
the  knight  of  the  quill.  The  portrait  which  had  been 
drawn  in  the  writer's  imagination  of  the  physiognomy 


64  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

and  corporeal  make-up  of  the  person  he  was  addressing 
was  far  from  being  correct.  But  he  was  found  to  be  a 
true  gentleman,  a  genial  companion,  and  an  earnest, 
wholesome  Odd  Fellow.  His  hand  was  open  to  wel- 
come, and  his  home  was  made  a  pleasant  and  comfort- 
able retreat  for  the  writer,  his  most  estimable  wife 
putting  forth  her  best  endeavors  to  provide  for  the  com- 
fort and  enjoyment  of  the  sojourner. 

Brother  Reynolds  was  of  a  musical  turn,  and  he 
found  pleasure  and  entertainment,  after  the  close  of 
long  weary  days  in  newspaper  work,  in  drawing  the  bow, 
which  brought  forth  strains  of  inspiring  music  from  his 
much-cherished  violin.  There  was  a  richness  and  har- 
monious blending  of  sweet  sounds  under  his  manipula- 
tion of  the  strings. 

The  editor  of  the  Register  had  labored  hard  for  a 
number  of  years  to  give  character  and  influence  to  the 
paper,  but  like  many  other  faithful  and  well-deserving 
society  journalists,  his  efforts  were  not  fully  appreciated 
by  those  who  should  have  given  him  their  support. 
The  maxim  that  "The  prophet  is  not  without  honor, 
save  in  his  own  country  and  among  his  own  kin,"  was 
daily  verified  in  Brother  Reynold's  experience  as  a  pro- 
ducer of  Odd  Fellow  literature. 

The  populous  and  beautiful  city  of  Providence,  six- 
teen miles  away  from  the  home  of  the  Register^  furnished 
numerous  daily  and  weekly  publications,  with  their 
busy  reporters  and  correspondents  ever  on  the  alert  to 
gather  up  and  spread  before  the  public  news  and  gossip 
of  every  kind  to  interest  all  classes  of  readers.  The 
Odd  Fellow  lodges  and  encampments  in  the  city  and 
surrounding  country  furnished  their  part  of  the  society 


BINDING    OF   THE    LINKS.  65 

]iews,  wliicli  was  caiiglit  up  by  tlie  reporters  belonging 
to  tlie  Order  and  by  others  who  had  conimnnicative 
friends  who  were  "posted"  on  what  was  going  on  that 
could  be  worked  into  newspaper  items.  The  regular 
Sunday  morning  edition  of  the  daily  papers  devoted  a 
liberal  space  to  "Society  Melange."  Every  week's 
events  in  lodge,  encampment,  and  particnlarly  in  the 
Rebekah  lodges,  were  chronicled  in  a  most  pleasing 
manner.  The  clever  reporter  was  sure  to  get  the  name 
of  the  fair  office  bearer  in  the  Rebekah  Lodge  and  pic- 
ture her  well-merited  accomplishments  in  pleasing  col- 
ors. Names  in  print  are  often  as  lasting  iii  the  memory 
as  those  cut  deep  into  the  polished  marble.  The  daily 
and  weekly  news-gleaners  left  little  that  had  not  been 
read  and  re-read  by  the  seekers  after  society  news  for 
the  publisher  of  a  monthly  journal  that  was  devoted 
exclusively  to  the  dissemination  of  whatever  tended  to 
the  good  and  welfare  of  the  Order  to  which  it  was  dedi- 
cated, and  thus  it  was  that  the  strong  pressed  hard  upon 
the  weak  and  placed  hindrances  in  the  way  of  the 
growth  and  progress  of  the  little  paper. 

But  Brother  Reynolds  had  firmly  resolved  within  his 
own  mind,  that  he  would  carry  on  the  enterprise  even 
in  the  face  of  all  obstructions.  The  subscription  list  in 
his  own  town,  as  well  as  in  many  other  towns  and  cities 
in  the  State,  plainly  showed  that  members  of  the  Order 
did  not  patronize  their  home  society  journal. 

It  was  the  pleasure  of  the  writer  to  accompany  Broth- 
er Reynolds  to  Providence,  a  few  days  after  having 
made  that  brother's  personal  acquaintance,  and  was  in- 
troduced by  him  to  a  number  of  the  prominent  ofiicers 
of  the  Grand  Lodse  of   Rhode  Island  and   interested 


66  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

members  of  tlie  fraternity,  who  were  solicited  to  aid  the 
writer  in  obtaining  names  and  subscriptions  for  tlie 
Register. 

PEOVIDENCE   NEWSPAPERS. 

The  writer  visited  most  of  the  newspaper  offices  in 
the  city  and  enjoj'ed  a  pleasant  interview  with  the  edi- 
tors of  the  city  papers.  From  each  he  received  the 
kindest  attention  and  courtesies.  A  card  of  introduc- 
tion was  published  in  each  Sunday  morning  paper, 
which  opened  the  way  for  the  writer  to  be  known 
among  the  business  men,  and  told  the  nature  of  his 
work  among  them. 

The  call  was  met  with  a  ready  response.  Everywhere 
the  writer  went  he  was  received  by  a  friendly  hand  and 
pleasant  words.  Among  the  first  to  speak  words  of  en- 
couragement were  our  late  respected  brother  Grand 
Representative  William  S.  Johnson  and  Grand  Repre- 
sentative Hon.  Gilbert  F.  Robbins.  They  had  been 
regular  patrons  of  the  Register  for  years,  and  they  now 
pledged  themselves  anew  to  its  future  support.  Their 
words  and  acts  were  seconded  by  Past  Grand  Represen- 
tative Lindsey  Anderson,  Grand  Master  Hollis  M. 
Coombs,  Past  Grand  Patriarch  Edwin  A.  Beasle}^ 
Grand  Secretary  and  Grand  Scribe  Allen  Jencks,  Past 
Grand  Peter  Trumpler,  city  editor  of  the  Telegraph  and 
formerly  connected  with  the  Register.,  Avhen  published 
in  Providence.  In  a  few  days  nearly  one  hundred 
names  were  placed  on  the  list  of  city  subscribers. 
Lodges  in  the  suburban  towns  were  visited  and  success 
followed  the  efforts  of  the  writer  everywhere.  It  is 
pleasant  for  him  to  recall  the  names  of  the  places  he 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  67 

visited  and  in   fancy   see   before   his   face   those    who 
greeted  him  so  kindly. 

Miles  of  territory  were  traversed  in  "  doing  "  Auburn, 
Pawtucket,  Central  Falls,  Woonsocket,  Westerly,  War- 
ren, Bristol,  Wickford,  Appanaug,  East  Greenwich, 
Newport,  Little  Compton,  and  other  towns  and  cities  in 
the  State. 

In  all  the  places  where  the  writer  visited  there  are 
many  good  brothers  whose  names  he  recalls  as  he  writes, 
and  he  hopes  at  some  future  day  to  take  some  of  them 
by  the  hand  and  enjoy  a  social  interview. 

The  special  object  of  the  writer's  visit  to  Rhode 
Island  having  been  satisfactorily  accomplished,  he  re- 
turned to  Massachusetts  and  continued  his  work,  visit- 
ing Boston,  Lowell,  Lawrence,  Salem,  Lynn,  Charles- 
town,  Cambridge,  Chelsea,  Beverly,  Newburyport,  New 
Bedford,  and  many  other  places  where  Odd  Fellowship 
flourishes.  His  best  and  pleasantest  work  was  effected 
in  Lynn,  Salem,  Chelsea  and  Peabody. 

At  Salem  he  was  made  the  special  object  of  kind  at- 
tention by  Grand  Master  Hon.  Wm.  M.  Hill,  then 
mayor  of  that  city,  who  stood  at  the  head  of  the  Order 
in  that  State.  It  was  an  easy  and  pleasant  work  to  ob- 
tain subscribers  to  the  Reghter  with  the  mayor  and 
Grand  Master  in  the  van.  The  list  in  that  city  was 
headed  "Dirigo,"  having  the  largest  number  of  names 
of  any  city  in  the  State. 

Mrs,  Ellen  M.  Buxton,  of  Peabody,  Mass.,  occupied 
a  prominent  place  in  the  Rebekah  department  of  the 
paper,  with  interesting  letters  and  remittances  from  new 
subscribers. ' 

Later  in  the  season  the  writer  visited  portions  of 
Vermont,  Connecticut  and  New  Hampshire,  and  strayed 


68  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

from  his  qniet  New  Engiaud  shores  to  the  great  metrop- 
olis of  North  America,  the  city  of  all  nations,  tongues 
and  creeds.  He  also  sat  among  l)rethren  of  our  friendl}^ 
Order  in  the  "Citj-  of  Brotherly  Love,"  Avhere  he  was 
warmly  greeted  by  his  Dutch  brother  and  partook  of 
food  beneath  his  patriarchal  tent. 

The  interests  of  the  Register  were  carefully  looked 
after  in  the  Nutmeg  State  by  Past  Grand  D.  C.  Winans 
of  New  Haven,  assisted  by  Brother  George  C.  Lovering 
of  that  city. 

On  a  more  recent  visit  to  New  Haven,  the  writer 
made  a  most  pleasant  acquaintance  with  Past  Grand 
Master  and  Past  Grand  Representative  George  N. 
Moses,  Secretary  of  the  Connecticut  Odd  Fellows'  State 
Relief  Association.  Brother  Moses  is  among  the  warm- 
est friends  of  the  writer's  acquaintance  in  that  section 
of  the  country. 

There  are  many  pleasing  incidents  connected  with 
the  writer's  life  while  engaged  in  conducting  the  affairs 
of  the  Register  abroad.  Some  of  them  have  found  a 
special  place  in  his  journal  and  may  be  wrought  into 
his  notes  in  this  publication  to  add  interest  to  the  many 
things  brought  forth,  though  it  will  be  impossible  to  go 
fully  into  detail. 

GEEMAN   LODGES. 

On  one  occasion  the  writer  was  kindly  asked  by  a 
warm-hearted  German  brother — "  Dutchmen  "  they  are 
called — to  attend  the  meeting  of  Germania  Lodge  in 
the  city  of  New  Haven,  Connecticut.  The  writer  ac- 
cepted the  invitation  and  was  present  with  the  bretliren. 
The  work,  in  their  national  language,  was  creditably 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  69 

])erformed  so  far  as  tlie  floor  movements  went.  The  rend- 
ering of  the  rituals  was  spoken  in  a  foreign  dialect,  and 
the  writer,  having  never  been  instructed  in  that  language, 
was  ignorant  of  whatever  errors  there  might  have  oc- 
curred. After  conferring  the  Initiatory  Degree  upon  a 
stalwart,  who  manifested  delight  while  passing  through 
tlie  ordeal,  the  Noble  Grand — through  an  English  speak- 
ing brother  and  countryman — called  upon  the  writer 
for  some  remarks  "on  the  good  and  welfare  of  the 
Order."  As  a  rule  resident  Germans  and  other  foreio'n- 
born  business  men  in  the  United  States  understand 
better  the  speech  of  Americans  than  they  are  under- 
stood by  people  untaught  in  their  own  language.  So  it 
was  in  the  case  of  the  writer.  His  words  they  heard 
and  understood  quite  well. 

The  Dutch  brethren  were  not  interested  in  dry  statis- 
tics and  matters  relating  to  lodge  work.  They  "wanted 
something  good  and  funnj''."  The  writer's  extensive 
travels  had  put  him  in  the  way  of  seeing  and  hearing 
many  things  which,  if  put  upon  the  lips  of  a  glib-tongued 
narrator,  might  excite  the  risibilities  of  the  most  fastid- 
ious. The  Dutchmen  attribute  their  good  health  and 
corpulency  to  much  laughter  and  jovial  nature.  The 
clamorings  for  "  something  good  and  funny "  induced 
the  writer  to  call  back  his  boyhood's  days  and  tell  a 
story  which  greatly  pleased  "the  boys,"  and  they  invit- 
ed him  to  take  supper  with  them.  Reader,  have  you 
ever  been  at  a  "Dutch  sit-down?"  There  is  plenty  to 
eat  and  "lots  of  fun,"  as  young  America  speaks  it.  The 
menu  is  a  savory  one,  consisting  of  esculents  generally 
relished  by  the  Dutch  connoisseur.  The  free  use  of  their 
national  beverage   entered  largely  into  the  festivities. 


70  BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS. 

There  was  no  lack  of  fine  vocal  mnsic  by  a  volun- 
teer quartette.  The  writer  was  kindly  treated  and 
highly  entertained  by  the  brothers  of  Germania  Lodge 
on  that  occasion,  and  he  has  since  sought  op^Dortunity  to 
mingle  in  their  councils. 

The  writer  had  frequent  opportunities  for  meeting 
with  the  brothers  at  large,  in  their  lodges  and  social 
gatherings,  on  excursions,  at  banquets,  in  celebrating 
anniversaries  and  memorable  events.  The  occasions  of 
special  interest  were  the  meetings  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  Massachusetts,  in  Boston,  and  the  session  of  the  Sov- 
ereign Grand  Lodge  held  at  Providence,  in  1883,  where 
he  was  admitted  to  a  seat  during  the  business  delibera- 
tions of  that  august  body,  through  the  courtesy  of 
Henry  P.  Cox,  Past  Grand  Representative  of  Maine, 
Acting  Grand  Guardian,  and  William  T.  Johnson, 
Grand  Representative  of  Rhode  Island. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

THE   REGISTER   COMES   TO   MAINE. 

The  circulation  of  the  Register  up  to  July,  1883,  had 
reached  nearly  four  thousand.  A  large  portion  of  the 
subscribers  were  obtained  by  the  writer's  personal  ef- 
forts. About  that  time  Brother  Reynolds  had  decided 
to  make  a  change  in  his  business  and  leave  the  town 
where  he  had  been  engaged  in  newspaper  publishing 
and  job  printing  for  a  number  of  years.  The  question 
then  arose,  "what  disposition  should  he  make  of  the 
Registerl^''  "It  would  have  to  be  sold  or  discontinued. 
Who  would  purchase  and  continue  to  publish  it?"  The 
larger  part  of  its  patrons  resided  in  Maine,  and  it 
had  fairly  become  a  Maine  paper.  While  these  ques- 
tions were  revolving  in  the  mind  of  the  proprietor,  he 
submitted  the  matter  to  the  writer  and  offered  hiin  the 
j)r()pert3^,  with  the  suggestion  that  Portland  Ije  the  place 
of  publication. 

The  proposition  was  a  fair  and  liberal  one,  but  then 
there  were  serious  difficulties  in  the  way  of  the  writer's 
accepting.  It  required  money  to  purchase  and  publish 
newspapers  of  any  sort,  and  in  this  case,  as  in  the  pur- 
chase of  "steamboats  when  offered  for  the  small  sum  of 
one  dime  each,"  there  were  no  purchasers  for  the  lack 
of  the  dime.  The  would-be  buyer  closely  examined  his 
bank  book  to  see  if  there  was  placed  to  his  credit  the 
amount  required  to  make  him  owner  of  the  The  Odd 
Felloioii  lieyister  and  all  its  belongings.    There  appeared 


72  BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS. 

only  one  cent  to  his  credit  on  the  balance  sheet. 
Frequent  correspondence  passed  between  Brother  Rey- 
nolds and  the  writer,  and  at  the  expiration  of  three 
weeks  the  papers  transferring  the  Register  property 
and  a  check  for  the  amount  required  for  its  purchase 
were  exchanged  by  the  owner  of  the  paper  and  the 
writer,  making  him  the  new  proprietor.  The  funds 
needed  to  change  the  ownership  came  from  a  brother 
possessing  a  large  heart  and  able  in  every  way  to  fulfill 
his  obligations.  The  name  of  the  benefactor  will  ap- 
pear as  the  reader  nears  the  sequel  of  the  history  of  the 
Register. 

In  July,  1883,  Brother  Reynolds,  with  his  wife,  vis- 
ited Portland  and  passed  a  week  at  the  home  of  the 
writer  at  Woodford's  Corner,  one  mile  from  the  c\tj. 
Their  visit  was  an  enjoyable  one  to  the  writer  and  his 
family,  and  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  it  was  equal- 
ly pleasant  to  the  visitors,  as  every  effort  was  put  forth 
to  make  their  sojourn  an  enjoyable  one.  The  brother 
and  his  wife  expressed  themselves  greatly  pleased  with 
the  natural  beauties  of  Portland,  its  fine  harbor,  expan- 
sive bay,  and  attractive  islands.  The  views  from  the 
eastern  and  western  promenades  exceeded  in  beauty, 
they  said,  anything  that  they  had  witnessed  in  "  Little 
Rhody."  Providence  clams  and  scallops  are  greatly  es- 
teemed b}^  connoisseurs  of  the  delicious  bivalve  when 
brought  from  "Rocky  Point,"  and  served  in  royal  style 
to  Odd  Fellow  excursionists  from  "away  down  in 
Maine,"  but  clams  fried  or  baked  by  the  experienced 
caterer  at  the  Peak's  Island  House,  and  served  by  mine 
host  Sawyer,  were  pronounced  ])y  Brother  Reynolds  and 
Mrs.  Reynolds  equal  in  quality  to  any  they  had  ever 
tasted  grown  in  the  flats  of  Narragansett  Bay. 


BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS.  73 

All  evening  was  pleasantly  spent  by  Brother  Rey- 
nolds with  the  members  of  Maine  Lodge  in  Portland. 
Their  beautiful  hall  with  its  rich  appointments  was 
closely  inspected  by  the  visiting  brother  and  made  the 
theme  of  comment. 

The  first  number  of  the  Register,  under  its  new  man- 
agement, was  issued  August,  1883,  from  the  printing 
office  of  Ford  &  Rich,  Exchange  street,  Portland.     It 
contained   a   letter  from  Brother  Reynolds  giving  his 
impressions  on  visiting  Portland  and  its  surroundings. 
The  labors  and  perplexities  of  the  writer  were  now 
increased  four-fold  by  assuming  the  care  and  responsi- 
bility of  personally  conducting  the  paper  as  editor,  pub- 
lisher, solicitor  and  collector.     The  position  he  then  oc- 
cupied was  that  of  man-of-all-work.    The  duties  in  each 
department  were  as  faithfully  performed  as  it  was  in 
the  power  of  a  feeble  man  to  do.     Often  times  the  only 
consolation  to  be  found  came  from  heeding  the  admo- 
nition of  the  wise  man,  "  Of  making  many  books  there 
is  no  end,  and  much  study  is  a  w^eariness  of  the  flesh," 
when  he  laid  aside  the  pen.     If  Solomon  had  lived  in 
these  days  of  fast  presses,  sending  forth  thousands  of 
daily,  weekly  and  monthly  publications,  he  might  have 
added  another  maxim,  "  that  the   man  who  does  such 
things  will  not  live  out  half  his  days."      Half  of  the 
writer's  days  have  been  spent  in  editing,  publishing,  or 
in  some  way  contributing  to  the  interest  and  support  of 
many  papers  at  home  or  abroad.      Seldom  anything  es- 
caped his  eye  or  pen.      It  is  the  notice  of  little  things 
that  tells  in  newspaper  editing.      In  the  words  of  the 
esteemed  Scottish  bard. 


74  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

"If  there's  a  hole  in  a'  your  coats, 

I  rede  you  tent  it; 
A  chield's  amang  you  taking  notes, 

And  faith  he'll  prent  it." 

In  the  publication  of  the  Register  the  same  ground 
was  canvassed  over  and  over  again.  Long  days  and 
sleepless  nights  were  spent  in  the  work  necessary  toj 
make  the  paper  worthy  the  patronage  of  those  who  con- 
tributed to  its  support. 

Lodges  and  encampments  in  all  parts  of  the  New 
England  States  were  regularly  and  frequently  visited. 
The  editor's  note-book  and  pencil  were  always  at  hand 
to  record  any  matter  new  or  interesting  to  the  fraterni- 
ty. Newspaper  work  requires  one  continuous  round  of 
thought  and  effort,  and  more  particularly  is  this  the 
case  in  endeavoring  to  make  an  acceptable  society  jour- 
nal. "  Your  news  is  past  the  time, — old  and  stale,"  was 
the  oft-repeated  salutation  uttered  by  croakers  and 
heartless  men.  Complaints  of  large  and  small  slights 
came  to  the  editor's  ears.  Whether  these  so-called 
slights  were  really  intended  to  wound  the  feelings  or 
injure  the  good  name  of  a  brother  man,  the  much- 
abused  (?)  ones  said  naught.  Acts  sometimes  speak 
louder  than  words. 

"O  wad  some  Pow'r  the  giftie  gie  us. 
To  see  oursels  as  other  see  us; 
It  wad  frae  monie  a  blunder  free  us 
And  foolish  notion." 

The  writer  of  "  personals  "  in  a  country  newspaper, 
if  it  be  an  Odd  Fellow  or  other  society  journal,  occupies 
no  enviable  position.  Great  things  are  expected  of  the 
scribe.  Merit  must  receive  its  full  measure  of  praise, 
no  matter  if  the  editor  has  to  "  slop  over  "  to  find  adjec- 
tives in  giving  color  to  the  picture. 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  75 

If  everything  \yorthy  of  note  in  the  conduct  of  lodge 
and  encampment  officers;  their  excellent  manner  of 
rendering  the  work  of  the  degrees ;  the  fine  exhibition 
of  dramatic  or  musical  talent  by  scholarly  brothers  or 
sister  Rebekahs  should  be  printed,  every  one  of  them, 
"  I  do  not  think  the  world  itself  could  contain  the  books 
they  were  written  in." 

It  was  the  honest  intention  of  the  new  editor  of  the 
Register  to  render  fair  and  impartial  judgment  when 
commenting  on  personal  merit.  If  he  erred  in  judg- 
ment or  overlooked  important  points,  he,  like  the  crim- 
inal under  sentence  at  the  bar,  is  willing  to  be  forgiven. 
"  To  err  is  human,,  to  forgive  divine." 

In  the  second  round  of  travels  throughout  the  New 
England  States,  the  writer's  relations  to  the  patrons  of 
the  Register  were  changed  from  solicitor  and  corres- 
pondent to  that  of  editor  and  proprietor.  The  change 
offered  him  larger  advantages  and  better  opportunities 
for  association  and  acquaintance  with  members  of  the 
Fraternity.  He  always  received  a  cordial  welcome  in 
the  lodges  and  encampments,  and  around  the  family 
board  of  hospitable  brothers.  The  patriarch's  tent  was 
always  open  to  the  weary  traveler. 

The  writer  has  frequently  been  called  upon  to  enter 
the  house  of  mourning  and  stand  beside  the  casket  con- 
taining the  remains  of  a  departed  brother  with  whom 
he  had  only  a  few  months  before  taken  sweet  counsel. 
He  has  seen  the  mower's  scythe  cut  down  a  young 
brother  just  entering  the  pride  of  his  manhood,  and  there 
learned  the  lessons  of  mortality,— that  death  is  in  the 
world,  and  the  destroyer  among  the  works  of  the  Al- 
miglity :  all  that  is  born  must  die. 


76  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

While  the  aged  and  young  were  passing  out  of  this 
life  into  a  brighter  and  better,  scores  of  worthy,  intelli- 
gent young  men  were  coming  into  the  light  of  Odd 
Fellowship.  It  has  been  the  privilege  of  the  writer  to 
welcome  to  the  altar  of  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth, 
hundreds  of  new-made  brothers  during  his  visits  to  lodges 
in  the  several  States. 

Among  the  events  of  special  note  during  the  years  of 
the  writer's  editorial  work  on  the  Register^  in  which  he 
took  a  personal  interest,  was  the  institution  of  Old 
Hickory  Lodge  at  Newport,  Presumpscot  Lodge  at  Fal- 
mouth, Fraternity  Lodge  at  Woodfords,  Elizabeth  City 
Lodge  at  South  Portland,  Canton  Encampment  at  Can- 
ton, Maine,  and  Fraternity  Encampment  at  Salem, 
Mass.,  with  numerous  fraternal  greetings  among  Past 
Grands  and  Past  Chief  Patriarchs  in  the  Grand  Lodges 
and  Grand  Encampments  of  Maine,  Massachusetts  and 
Rhode  Island. 

The  best  opportunity  for  receiving  instruction  and 
enjoyment  was  in  witnessing  the  conferring  of  degrees 
by  staffs  or  teams.  The  first  lodge  in  Maine  to  organize 
a  team  and  render  the  dramatized  work  was  Norway 
Lodge,  with  Past  Grand  J.  W.  Crommett,  Degree 
Master.  This  team  gained  notoriety  throughout  the 
State,  and  gave  a  grand  exhibition  in  conferring  the  in- 
itiatory and  work  of  the  three  degrees  before  the  officers 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Maine,  in  1886.  There  were  a 
large  number  present  from  lodges  in  the  State,  and  all 
took  a  lively  interest  in  the  rendering  of  the  work. 

At  a  later  date  Norway  Lodge  Degree  Staff,  under 
the  leadership  of  J.  W.  Crommett,  Degree  Master, 
brought  honor  and  praise  to  itself  in  the  exemplification 


BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS.  77 

of  tlie  sublime  work  of  tlie  lirst  and  second  degrees. 
The  occasion  was  a  fraternal  visit  of  the  staff  to 
Iladattah  Lodge,  No.  118,  of  Portland,  Wednesday 
evening  June  19,  1889.  When  it  became  known  to  the 
members  of  the  Fraternity  of  the  different  lodges  in  the 
city,  that  Norway  Lodge  Degree  Staff  was  to  visit 
Iladattah  Lodge,  a  general  interest  was  awakened  to 
witness  the  work  performed  by  the  staff  that  had  be- 
come so  famous  throughout  the  State  for  doing  "  splendid 
work." 

Long  before  the  hour  for  opening  the  lodge,  nearly 
every  seat  in  the  large  hall  was  occupied,  and  the  floor 
work  space  was  encroached  upon  to  accommodate  the 
large  numbers  of  interested  witnesses.  Such  a  pen  pic- 
ture as  it  might  be  in  the  power  of  the  writer  to  give 
in  this  book  would  fail  to  convey  to  the  reader  more 
than  a  faint  idea  of  the  beauty  and  grandeur  of  the  pro- 
duction and  fine  dramatic  rendering  and  oratory. 
Every  brother  present  was  fascinated  by  the  pageant. 

At  the  close  of  the  lodge-room  exercises,  which  came 
at  a  late  hour  of  the  night,  the  officers  and  members 
escorted  the  guests  to  the  banquet  hall,  where  a  sump- 
tuous repast  was  served  and  the  brethren  spent  a  season 
of  pleasant  re-union  around  the  festive  board. 

Since  the  organization  of  Norway  Lodge  degree  team, 
other  lodges  have  taken  up  the  work  and  made  a  fine 
showing.  The  writer  has  been  privileged  to  witness 
exhibitions  by  degree  teams  in  Androscoggin,  Abou 
Ben  Adhem,  Samaritan,  Golden  Rule,  Ancient  Brothers, 
Manufacturers  and  Mechanics,  Penobscot,  Waldo,  Saco, 
Granite,  Knox,  Cumberland,  Phlontoma,  Fairfield,  and 
Livermore  Falls  Lodges.   A  spirit  of  laudable  emulation 


78  BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS. 

was  manifested  among  the  members  of  degree  teams  in 
the  lodges  throughout  Massachusetts,  Connecticut  and 
Khode  Island.  In  many  of  the  lodges  the  paraphernalia 
was  elaborate  and  expensive. 

Past  Grand  C.  W.  Mutell,  of  Springfield,  Mass.,  was 
the  first  to  dramatize  the  degree  work  and  was  degree 
master  of  the  famous  De  Soto  Degree  Stafif,  which  pre- 
sented the  new  work  before  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge 
at  Baltimore  in  1882.  He  also  designed  the  first  com- 
plete outfit  for  conferring  the  degrees.  The  equipment 
was  elegant  and  fully  in  accord  with  the  place  it  occu- 
pied in  giving  life  and  character  to  the  impressive  work. 

There  were  few  degree  teams  that  could  excel  Can- 
onicus  Lodge  team  at  Providence,  R.  I.,  in  the  early 
days  of  rendering  the  new  work.  In  1885,  the  late 
Grand  Representative  W.  S.  Johnson  was  at  the  head 
of  the  Order  in  that  city,  and  brought  out  his  part  of 
the  work  in  the  three  degrees  with  pleasing  effect 
before  the  Representatives  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  then  in  session  in  Providence.  The  writer  was 
made  the  recipient  of  many  favors  on  that  memorable 
occasion.  It  was  a  red-letter  day  in  the  history  of  the 
Order. 

By  the  special  invitation  of  Grand  Representative 
Johnson  and  members  of  Canonicus  Lodge  degree 
team,  the  Grand  Sire  and  a  large  number  of  the  Grand 
Rej3resentatives  assembled  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  in  the 
afternoon.  The  writer,  then  editor  of  the  Register^  was 
privileged  to  occupy  a  seat  with  Deputy  Grand  Sire 
Hon.  John  H.  White,  of  New  York,  and  witness  the 
work  of  the  three  degrees  exemplified  in  fine  dramatic 
style.     Brother  Johnson  entered  with  life  and  soul  into 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  79 

everything  that  pertained  to  the  good  and  welfare  of 
Odd  FelloAvship.  He  and  Grand  Representative  Rob- 
bins  were  honored  and  animated  by  the  presence  of  a 
large  number  of  colleagues  in  the  highest  council  of  the 
Order.  It  was  the  time  for  accepting  or  rejecting  the 
new  way  of  rendering  the  work  by  lodges  at  the  South 
and  West  and  on  the  Pacific  coast.  The  projectors  and 
earnest  supporters  of  the  sublime  work  well  understood 
that  first  impressions  are  the  best,  and  will  impel  those 
influenced  by  word  or  act  to  speedy  and  effective  effort. 

There  were  present  on  that  .occasion  men  possessing 
strong  prejudices  against  removing  old  land-marks  or 
making  inroads  in  the  long-traveled  path  of  former 
days.  But  after  witnessing  the  sublime  work  there 
were  no  dissenting  voices  on  the  adoption  and  universal 
practice  of  the  dramatical  work  as  exhibited  by  the  able 
and  efficient  staff  of  Canonicus  Lodge. 

The  history  of  the  "  new  departure "  in  lodges 
throughout  the  jurisdiction,  represented  by  those  who 
witnessed  the  Avork,  shows  that  a  pleasing  advance  has 
been  made  in  the  rendering  of  degree  work  and  great 
good  has  come  to  the  Order  thereby. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

THE   DEGREE   OF   REBEKAH. 

The  laws  regulating  the  qualification  for  office  in 
Subordinate  Lodges  in  former  years  made  it  obligatory 
upon  the  Noble  Grand  to  be  in  possession  of  the  Rebek- 
ah  Degree  and  able  to  confer  the  same  on  all  the  scarlet 
members  and  their  wives,  when  applied  for  in  open 
lodge. '  Under  the  existing  laws,  while  the  writer  served 
his  term  as  Noble  Grand  of  Carrabasset  Lodge,  it  was 
his  privilege  to  admit  to  the  Degree  of  Rebekah  a  large 
number  of  brothers  and  their  wives.  These  occasions 
were  made  seasons  of  social  enjoyment  and  pleasant  re- 
union. The  object  and  designs  of  the  degree  were  fully 
realized  by  those  who  participated  in  its  work  and  fes- 
tivities, and  there  went  out  from  the  circle  of  its  mem- 
bership a  genial  influence. 

The  degree  was  originated  by  Grand  Representatives 
Sclniyler  Colfax  of  Indiana,  Wm.  T.  Martin  of  Miss- 
issippi, and  E.  G.  Steele  of  Tennessee.  Its  object  .was 
to  unite  the  wives  and  members  in  the  work  of  Odd 
Fellowship. 

It  is  the  work  of  woman  to  do  good.  Men  need 
banding  together  to  stimulate  their  better  affection,  but 
in  woman  benevolence  and  humanity  are  spontaneous. 
The  great  traveler  Ledyard  truly  says:  "I  have  ob- 
served among  all  nations  that  the  women  are  the  same 
kind,  civil,  obliging,  human,  tender  beings.  They  are 
ever   inclined   to   be   gay   and  cheerful,  timorous  and 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  81 

modest.      They  do  not  hesitate,  like  men,  to  perform  a 
hospitable  or  generous  action." 

To  the  widow  and  orphan  a  portion  of  the  benefits  of 
our  Order  belongs,  and  it  was  for  holy  purposes  that 
the  degree  was  established.  When  death  comes  and  re- 
moves the  husband  and  father  from  the  home,  there  is 
felt  the  obligation  "  to  relieve  the  distressed,  bury  the 
dead  and  educate  the  orphan."  Strong  hands  and  warm 
hearts  form  a  protection  around  the  afflicted  and  help- 
less to  supply  their  wants,  and  aid  her  and  hers  for  the 
sake  of  him  whom  they  are  pledged  to  love. 

"Fading  not  when  life  has  perished, 
Living  still  beyond  the  tomb." 

Time  changes  and  new  officers  enact  new  laws.  The 
doors  of  the  council  chamber  of  Rebekahs  are  now 
closed  against  those  who  have  not  been  instructed  in 
the  mysteries  of  the  degree  in  a  legally  constituted 
lodge  of  that  degree  and  pay  tribute  to  its  laws  and  sup- 
port. A  knowledge  of  that  degree  work  is  no  longer 
made  a  requisite  qualification  for  elegibility  to  the  office 
of  Noble  Grand. 

Perhaps  any  further  eulogium  on  this  beautiful  de- 
gree and  the  manner  of  its  rendering  by  the  scholarly 
lady  officers  may  be  regarded  as  presumptuous  on  the 
part  of  the  writer,  who,  like  many  very  wise  (?)  people 
outside  of  Odd  Fellowship,  claims  to  "know  it  all," 
though  having  never  crossed  its  threshold. 

PATEIAECHS    MILITANT. 

Although  the  writer  has  no  membership  acquaintance 
with  this  excellent  branch  of  Odd  Fellowship,  he  is 
conversant  with  its  origin   and  is  as  familiar  with  its 


82  BINDING   OF    THE   LINKS. 

history  and  growth  as  any  person  who  has  not  been 
made  a  chevalier. 

Men  in  all  ages  of  the  world  have  manifested  a  desire 
for  rank  and  title  in  military  and  civic  organizations  to 
appear  in  public  and  parade  on  special  occasions.  It 
would  not  be  strange  that  among  the  large  membership 
of  our  Order  there  should  be  men  aspiring  to  such  titles 
and  honors  as  are  conferred  by  other  fraternal  secret 
organizations. 

The  legislators  in  the  councils  of  Odd  Fellowship  are 
men  of  wisdom,  discernment  and  progress.  They  have 
labored  to  make  the  Order  attractive  and  pleasing,  as 
well  as  fraternal  and  beneficial. 

Legislation  on  a  higher  degree  above  the  royal  purj)le 
has  been  fraught  with  many  changes  during  the  last  de- 
cade, and  has  called  forth  much  discussion  among  the 
friends  and  opponents  of  the  measures  which  have  been 
adopted  from  time  to  time. 

The  degree  of  Patriarchs  Militant  is  now  fully  en- 
dorsed by  all  loj-al  members  of  tlie  Order  throughout 
its  entire  jurisdiction,  and  there  are  large  practical 
advantages  growing  out  of  it.  The  ranks  of  the  Order 
are  swelled  by  it;  the  finances  of  lodges  and  encamp- 
ments are  made  stronger  and  are  less  liable  to  suffer  loss 
by  the  "non-payment  of  members  dues,"  while  they 
hold  coverted  positions  in  the  military  branch. 

While  age,  disability  and  death  are  drawing  heavily 
upon  the  membership  and  funds  of  old  lodges,  their 
ranks  and  treasury  are  being  replenished  by  vigorous 
youth  who  must  cross  the  portals  of  the  lodge  and  ad- 
vance step  by  step  through  all  its  gradations  before  they 
stand  with  sword  erect  in  the  ranks  of   the  chevalier. 


I 


BINDING   OP   THE   LINKS.  83 

It  is  the  young  blood  that  keeps  alive  and  active  all 
o'ood  organizations,  and  thus  it  will  be  tlu'Oii2fhout  all 
coniino-  venerations. 

The  writer  will  not  devote  more  space  in  setting  forth 
the  beauties  and  advantages  of  this  branch  of  the  Order, 
as  they  are  daily  being  demonstrated  in  almost  every 
community  where  Odd  Fellowship  has  its  stronghold. 

Among  the  notable  public  events  in  which  the  Patri- 
archs Militant  have  been  the  central  figure  of  attraction, 
the  writer  takes  pleasure  in  mentioning  some  of  the 
special  occasions  on  which  he  was  privileged  to  be  pres- 
ent and  -fitness  the  grand  pageants.  On  the  26th  of 
April,  1887,  Grand  Canton  Ridgel}^  No.  2,  of  Portland, 
gave  a  complimentary  reception  to  Ma j .-Gen.  O.  B.  Whit- 
ten  and  staff  at  Cit}-  Hall.  There  were  a  large  number 
of  prominent  members  of  the  Order  present — residents 
of  Portland  and  abroad.  Among  the  invited  guests  was 
Brig.-Gen.  L.  P.  Woodbur}^,  of  Lewiston,  and  staff, 
with  officers  and  Cantons  from  other  parts  of  the  State. 

In  the  3-ear  1888,  Grand  Canton  Ridgely  of  Portland, 
held  a  fair  commencing  April  23d,  and  continuing  five 
days.  There  were  entertainments  and  a  drill  every  even- 
ing, calling  out  a  large  attendance  at  City  Hall.  One 
of  the  most  interesting  and  enjoyable  features  of  the  oc- 
casion was  a  drill  by  Grand  Canton  Dearborn  of  Bidde- 
ford.  It  equalled  anything  in  society  display  that  had 
been  witnessed  in  the  city  before.  The  fair  and  ever}-- 
thing  connected  with  it  was  a  splendid  success.  The 
financial  exhibit  of  the  treasurer.  Captain  C.  F.  Tobie, 
showed  a  clear  cash  balance  of  nearly  four  thousand  dol- 
lai-s.  The  figures  were  lughly  satisfactory  to  those  who 
were  in  any  way  interested  in  the  result. 


84  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

On  the  seventieth  anniversary  of  the  introduction  of 
Odd  Fellowship  into  America,  Grand  Canton  Ridgely, 
No.  2,  of  Portland,  gave  a  splendid  entertainment  at 
City  Hall,  comprising  a  band  concert  by  Collins'  Band. 
The  second  number  on  the  programme  was  conferring 
the  "Decoration  of  Chivalry "  upon  Maj.-Gen.  O.  B. 
Whitten,  of  the  Division  of  the  East,  and  Major  F.  L. 
Moseley,  commanding  the  second  battalion  of  the 
First  Regiment  of  Maine,  which  was  performed  with 
imposing  ceremonies.  The  entertainment  of  the  even- 
ing closed  with  the  grand  march  and  ball  in  which 
hundreds  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  lovers  of  the  terp- 
sichorean  art  participated. 

On  February  27,  1889,  Grand  Canton  Dearborn,  No. 
4,  tendered  to  His  Excellency  Governor  Burleigh  and 
staff  a  complimentary  reception  at  City  Hall,  Saco, 
which  was  a  magnificent  affair.  Canton  Dearborn  is 
composed  of  members  of  the  Royal  Purple  Degree  in 
the  encampments  of  Saco  and  Biddeford. 

After  its  organization  this  Canton  placed  an  order 
for  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  uniforms,  which  is  the 
largest  number  procured  by  any  Canton  in  the  State  at 
one  time.  The  Patriarchs  Militant  branch  of  the  Order 
in  those  cities  is  rapidly  gaining  in  membership  and 
public  favor. 

Commencing  February  12,  1889,  the  Odd  Fellows  of 
Lewiston  and  Auburn,  under  the  auspices  of  Grand 
Canton  Worombus,  No.  1,  held  a  successful  •  three-days 
fair  at  City  Hall,  Lewiston,  which  was  largely  patronized 
and  brought  thousands  of  dollars  into  their  treasury. 
On  the  closing  evening,  February  15th,  a  grand  reception 
and  ball  was  given  His  Excellency  Governor  Burleigh 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  85 

and  staff.  It  was  a  most  brilliant  affair,  eclipsing  any- 
thing of  the  kind  ever  given  in  those  cities. 

Canton  Columbia,  No.  11,  of  North  Berwick,  Me., 
made  a  fine  display  in  a  street  parade  and  drill,  May  1, 
1889,  under  the  command  of  its  worthy  and  honored 
captain  William  H.  Austin.  Nearly  every  patriarch  of 
Columbia  Encampment  is  a  member  of  the  Canton  and 
all  take  a  lively  interest  in  that  branch  of  the  Order. 

At  the  time  of  the  meeting  of  the  Sovereign  Grand 
Lodge,  held  in  Boston,  September,  1886,  out  of  the 
forty-three  partiarchs  of  Columl)ia  Encampment  there 
were  thirty-nine  uniformed  members  of  the  Canton  pres- 
ent, and  all  took  part  in  the  parade  on  that  memorable 
occasion. 

During  the  winter  of  1888,  the  writer  passed  a  few 
weeks  enjoyably  in  the  city  of  New  Ilaven,  Conn., 
among  members  of  the  Fraternity.  Through  the  kind- 
ness of  Major  George  N.  Moses,  of  a  flourishing  Canton 
in  that  city,  he  was  permitted  to  enjoy  a  fine  band  con- 
cert preparatory  to  the  grand  exhibition  drill  in  Music 
Hall.  It  was  a  State  affair  and  elicited  the  encomiums 
of  a  large  and  appreciative  audience. 

Many  pages  of  this  book  might  be  devoted  to  pleasant 
reminiscences  concerning  this  popular  and  influential 
degree  of  Odd  Fellowship,  which  is  a  strong  link  in  the 
binding  of  the  young  members  firmly  together. 

WITHIN   THE   WALLS    OF   THE   LODGE-EOOM. 

If  the  members  of  our  Order  regard  the  lodge  as  their 
family,  it  is  right  and  proper  that  they  make  the  home 
as  pleasant  and  attractive  as  possible.  The  Odd  Fellow 
Fraternity,  like    other   more    ancient   and   wide-spread 


86  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

Orders,  "is  progressive  in  its  character,"  The  members 
are  quick  to  learn  and  ready  to  improve  in  everytliing- 
that  tends  to  elevate  and  ennoble  mankind.  The  laws 
of  our  Order  make  it  obligatory  upon  lodges  and  en- 
campments to  have  a  careful  watch  over  the  treasury 
and  restricts  the  extravagant  expenditure  of  mone}^  in 
the  fittings  and  furnishings  of  lodge  halls  and  para- 
phernalia. 

In  most  of  the  populous  cities  and  large  business 
centers  where  there  are  two  or  more  lodges,  there  exists 
a  laudable  spirit  of  riva.lry  among  the  members  to  hold 
by  ownership  or  rental  large  and  beautifully  furnished 
halls  where  they  can  enjoy  the  weekly  meeting,  sur- 
rounded by  comfort  and  costly  art  decorations.  In 
many  places  the  retreat  of  Odd  Fellows  is  among  the 
rich  draperies  of  scarlet  and  blue. 

The  attractions  of  the  lodge-room  often  have  much  to 
do  with  creating  an  interest  in  the  business  and  work  of 
the  lodge.  Especially  is  this  the  case  with  persons  who 
have  never  before  been  brought  under  the  genial  influ- 
ences of  social  society.  The  mind  of  the  initiate  is 
diverted  from  business  perplexities  and  domestic  care, 
when  surrounded  by  bright  faces,  pleasant  smiles,  and  en- 
ticed by  friendly  words  mingling  in  sweet  accord  with 
music  and  song  in  the  beautiful  home  of  pledged 
brothers. 

Perhaps  it  may  afford  entertainment  for  the  reader  to 
accompany  one  who  during  the  past  eight  years  has  sat 
in  hundreds  of  different  lodo-e-rooms  in  our  thriving 
New  England  cities  and  towns,  and  take  special  notice 
of  the  architectural  structure  and  beautiful  internal 
appointments.     Doubtless  some  reader  will  find  himself 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  87 

comfortably  resting  in  the  chair  of  the  Noble  or  Vice 
Grand  of  the  lodge-room  which  the  writer  is  describing 
as  he  journeys  from  State  to  State  and  from  city  to  city. 

As  there  must  be  a  starting  point  to  everything  in 
this  life,  the  guide  will  conduct  the  reader  in  vision  to 
the  hall  nearest  the  pen  of  the  writer.  It  is  located  on 
Congress  street  in  Portland,  the  beautiful  Forest  City  of 
Maine.  Nearly  every  Past  Grand  in  the  jurisdiction  has 
found  it  a  pleasant  resting  place  during  the  sessions  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Encampment  within  the 
last  twelve  years. 

The  main  lodge  hall  is  a  spacious  apartment  with 
numerous  ante  and  committee  rooms  elegantly  fitted  up 
and  furnished  at  a  large  expense  by  the  six  lodges  that 
occup}^  it  weekly.  It  is  the  finest  lodge  hall  in 
the  State.  On  the  same  floor  is  a  smaller  hall,  fully  and 
handsomely  equipped  for  lodge  purposes,  and  is  occu- 
pied weekly  by  Hadattah  I.,odge  and  Ivy  Lodge,  Daugh- 
ters of  Rebekah.  On  the  third  floor  is  the  encampment 
hall  of  large  dimensions,  with  its  rich  drapings  of  royal 
purple  and  gold.  Here  the  tents  of  the  patriarchs  of 
four  encampments  are  pitched,  and  many  a  weary  trav- 
eler has  found  shelter  and  rest  inside  their  portals.  The 
Patriarchs  Militant  hold  their  stated  conclaves  within 
its  walls  and  buckle  on  their  armor  for  duty  and  public 
display.  There  are  ample  armory  accommodations.  The 
room  is  thirty-five  feet  by  twelve  feet,  adjoining  the  main 
encampment  hall.  It  is  fitted  up  in  fine  style  with  all 
the  appliances  for  convenience  and  safe-keeping  of  the 
chevaliers'  equipments. 

In  the  "Lime  Rock  City,"  Rockland,  w^here  Knox 
Lodge  occupies  a  beautiful  large  hall,  which  was  procured 


»S  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

a  few  yeare  ago  by  the  expenditure  ot  many  thou- 
sands of  dollars  and  months  of  unceasmg  effort.  It  is 
ample  and  complete  in  every  resj)ect.  The  members  of 
the  Fraternity  in  all  branches  of  the  Order  in  that  city  are 
fully  accommodated,  and  have  no  eye  of  envy  turned  on 
brothers  in  other  parts  of  the  jurisdiction  who  possess 
better  lodge  homes  than  themselves.  If  a  magnificent 
hall  and  pleasant  surroundings  will  insure  growth  in 
membership  and  prosperity  in  lodges,  then  Knox  Lodge 
must  rank  among  the  first  in  Maine. 

At  Belfast,  down  the  Penobscot  River,  there  has  been 
a  mighty  rushing  wind  of  enthusiasm  among  the  mem- 
bers of  old  Waldo  Lodge  of  late.  The  sound  of  strife 
and  discord  and  the  smoke  of  battle  of  other  days,  which 
jeopadized  the  perpetuity  of  the  institution  of  Odd  Fel- 
lowship in  that  city  and  carried  dismay  to  the  hearts 
of  thousands  of  the  tiied  and  faithful  tliroughout  the 
broad  jurisdiction,  has  died  away,  and  with  the  restora- 
tion of  peace  came  brotherly  union  and  a  strong  rallying 
around  the  standard  of  "  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth." 

The  officers  and  members  of  Waldo  Lodge  have  been 
willing  and  ready  many  years  to  abandon  their  old  pent- 
up,  uncomfortable  quarters,  with  all  its  unhallowed  asso- 
ciations, for  a  new  and  better  home.  Their  desires  have 
at  last  been  gratified  by  the  presence  of  a  grand  brick 
structure  in  the  main  business  center  of  the  city.  It  has 
been  erected  and  beautified  after  the  design  and  work- 
manship of  members  of  the  craft  who  are  thoroughly 
learned  in  everything  that  goes  to  make  up  a  perfect  and 
noble  temple  of  Odd  Fellowship. 

Before  the  frosts  of  the  winter  of  1889  have  seared  the 
leaves  of  the  forest  there  will  be  a  joyful  meeting  of  the 


BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS.  89 

Odd  Fellows  of  that  city,  and  liuiidivds  fnnii  otlier  parts 
of  the  State  will  unite  in  dedicating  the  niagiuticent  liall 
to  the  purposes  of  the  Order.  With  sucli  a  zealous,  faith- 
ful leader  and  director  as  Brother  R.  G.  Dyer,  Grand 
Warden  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Maine,  among  the  exec- 
utives, there  need  be  no  occasion  to  fear  from  unsound 
material  or  imperfect  work  in  the  structure.  It  will  be 
"  push  and  go  ahead." 

On  the  fifteenth  of  May,  1889,  a  beautiful  hall  was 
dedicated  at  Camden,  Maine.  The  building  is  in  part 
the  property  of  Mount  Battie  Lodge,  to  replace  the  one 
destroyed  by  fire  one  year  ago.  The  dedicating  ser- 
vices Avere  conducted  by  Brother  A.  S.  Kimball  of 
Norway,  Deputy  Grand  Master,  assisted  by  other  Grand 
Officers.  There  was  a  large  gathering  of  ladies  and 
friends  of  the  Order.  The  new  hall  is  a  large  sub- 
stantial brick  building,  an  ornament  to  the  Order  and 
town.  The  hall  is  handsomely  decorated  and  elegant- 
ly furnished.  The  ceremonies  were  made  interest- 
ing by  excellent  music  from  a  select  choir.  Brother 
Thomas  A.  Hunt,  Noble  Grand  of  Mount  Battie,  pre- 
sented the  lodge  with  a  handsome  Bible,  in  the  name  of 
Mrs.  Henry  Rollins  of  Camden,  and  a  pair  of  handsome- 
ly wrought  brass  gavels,  the  gift  of  Brother  N.  H.  Young, 
the  Vice  Grand.  Speeches  were  made  by  the  Grand 
Officers,  Rev.  Mr.  Beal  and  Hon.  Ruel  Robinson  of  Cam- 
den. At  the  close  of  the  ceremonies,  the  company  re- 
jjaired  to  Megunticook  Hall,  v/here  a  bountiful  collation 
was  served.  This  was ,  followed  by  a  concert,  instru- 
mental and  vocal,  at  Odd  Fellows'  Hall,  under  the  di- 
rection of  Prof.  Studley's  Orchestra.  The  exercises 
concluded  with  a  dance  in  the  evening  at  Megunticook 


90  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

Hall.  The  lodges  at  Rockland,  Vinalhaven  and  Bidde- 
ford  were  represented  by  promiueiit  members  of  the 
Order. 

There  are  lodges  in  the  remote  eastern  and  northern 
portions  of  the  State,  at  Eastport  and  in  Aroostook 
County,  that  suffered  loss  hj  fu'e  during  the  past  three 
years,  now  occupying  new,  commodious  halls.  These 
have  not  yet  been  inspected  by  the  writer,  consequently 
he  is  unable  to  speak  from  personal  knowledge  of  their 
merits.  "  They  say,"  accords  much  credit  to  the  brothers 
in  those  places  for  "  pluck  and  perseverance "  in  sur- 
mounting great  obstacles  and  bringing  beauty  out  of 
ashes. 

Worombo  Lodge,  No.  107,  at  Lisbon  Falls,  Maine, 
dedicated  its  beautiful  new  hall  May  30,  1889,  with  in- 
teresting and  impressive  ceremonies,  conducted  by  Broth- 
ers Henry  C.  Bagley,  G.  M. ;  A.  S.  Kimball,  D.  G.  M. ; 
Joshua  Davis,  Grand  Secretary;  Brothers  Stevens, 
Brimijohn  and  Applebee,  Grand  Heralds.  There  were 
present  a  large  number  of  members  of  the  Order,  and 
citizens  who  are  interested  in  the  welfare  and  prosperity 
of  the  Order  in  the  community. 

The  members  of  Franklin  Lodge,  at  Farmington, 
Maine,  are  "men  who  never  say  che "  when  brought 
under  the  most  trying  circumstances.  Their  lodge  hall 
has  twice  been  destroyed  by  fire  within  the  past  six  years. 
The  members  have  rallied  themselves  after  the  work  of 
the  destroyer  each  time,  and  procured  the  means  to 
build  new  and  larger  halls.  In  the  last  devastating  fire 
that  spread  over  the  town,  and  laid  waste  nearly  the  en- 
tire business  portion  of  the  village,  Franklin  Lodge 
shared  largely  among  the  sufferers;    but  the  brothers 


BINDING    OF   TnE   LINKS.  91 

were  not  a  day  behind  the  most  foremost  workers  in  se- 
curing comfortable  lodge  (quarters.  Theii"  new  hall 
ranks  equal  to  any  in  the  State  in  point  of  capacity  and 
handsome  furnishings. 

During  the  past  few  years,  Anion  Lodge  at  Oakland, 
Quinnebasset  Lodge  at  Norridgewock,  Norway  Lodge  at 
Norway,  Asylum  Lodge  at  Augusta,  and  Kineo  Lodge 
at  Dover,  all  in  Maine,  have  provided  themselves  with 
fine  halls — owned  or  leased  property.  By  the  judicious 
expenditure  of  money  they  have  combined  comfort,  con- 
venience and  attractiveness. 

There  are  other  lodge  halls  in  ]\Iaine  worthy  of  men- 
tion, wliich  were  erected  and  dedicated  during  the  first 
year  of  the  writer's  connection  with  the  Odd  Fellows' 
Register^  as  editor  and  publisher.  There  still  clusters  in 
the  memory  pleasant  associations  of  the  events  of  the 
time  when  they  were  the  central  figure  of  attraction  on 
the  auspicious  day  which  called  large  numbers  of  people 
together  to  witness  and  utter  words  of  praise  for  well 
doing. 

The  reader  may  desire  to  learn  something  concerning 
the  halls  of  the  brotherhood  in  other  New  England  States, 
and  how  they  compare  with  those  in  the  Pine  Tree  State. 
The  writer  has  liad  opportunities  to  visit  very  many 
lodges  in  Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  and 
some  in  New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  New  York,  and  in 
the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Odd  Fellows'  Building,  Boston,  was  erected  in  1873, 
and  stands  among  the  prominent  public  buildings  in  that 
city.  The  main  hall  is  fifty-four  by  ninety-four  feet,  and 
twenty-five  feet  in  the  clear.  There  are  six  lodge  or  work- 
ing rooms,  with  encampment  halls.  Grand  Lodge  and 


92  BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS. 

Grand  Encampment  halls,  Grand  Secretary  and  Scribe's 
offices,  committee  rooms  and  banquet  halls.  The  writer 
has  been  permitted  to  mingle  with  members  of  each  of  the 
lodges  at  their  weekly  meetings ;  also,  to  sit  among  the 
patriarchs  in  their  assemblages.  Within  the  jurisdiction 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Massachusetts,  there  are  more 
than  two  hundred  lodges.  Many  of  them  occupy  mag- 
nificent halls  which  are  richl}"  adorned.  In  order  to 
conceive  of  their  finely  appointed  halls  and  convey  a 
correct  idea  of  the  picture,  it  is  necessary  that  the  reader 
look  though  his  own  eyes.  A  pen  and  ink  sketch  can 
furnish  only  a  faint  and  imperfect  outline  of  what  would 
appear  before  him. 

Among-  the  large  number  of  Odd  Fellow  halls  visited 
by  the  writer  abroad,  were  those  occupied  by  lodges  at 
New  Bedford,  Lawrence,  Lowell,  Chelsea,  Charlestown, 
Somerville,  Salem,  Peabody,  Lynn,  Springfield,  Worces- 
ter, Beverly,  Haverhill,  Amesbury  and  Fall  River,  Mas- 
sachusetts ;  Providence  and  AYoonsocket,  Rhode  Island ; 
Hartford  and  New  Haven,  Connecticut;  Great  Falls, 
Dover,  Laconia  and  Concord,  New  Hampsliire;  Phila- 
delpliia,  Pennsylvania.  These  had  some  peculiarities  in 
their  make-up  and  furnishings  wliich  fastened  them  more 
fixedly  in  the  remembrance  of  the  writer  than  scores  of 
others,  which  in  point  of  beauty  and  covenience  for  gen- 
eral lodge  work  were  fully  equal. 

Gorgeously  equipjjed  halls,  showy  paraphernalia  and 
high-sounding  titles  are  not  what  constitutes  true  Odd 
Fellowship.  Stripped  of  all  these  it  is  but  a  band  of 
men  who  promise  on  their  honor  as  men  to  be  kind  to 
each  other  under  all  circumstances,  in  adversity  as  well 
as  in  the  brighter  days  of  prosperity. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

THE  WORD  OF  COMFORT;  THE  HELPING  HAND. 

"Three  charms  to  guard  the  heart  from  sorrow, 

To  keep  aloof  life's  woes; 
Three  whispers  of  a  brighter  morrow, 

The  morrow  of  repose — 
Three  links  amid  the  golden  fetters, 

That  heart  to  heart  entwine ; 
Upon  life's  scroll  three  mystic  letters, 

Placed  there  by  hand  divine." 

In  every  age  of  the  world's  history  there  has  been 
many  and  frequent  startling  events,  involving  the  loss 
of  life  and  destruction  of  much  property.  Even  when 
the  tidino-s  of  such  horrors  are  sent  forth  on  lifrhtninor 
wings  and  are  read  by  people  far  remote  from  the  scene 
of  action,  it  is  sickening  and  heart-rendering.  When 
the  disaster  occurs  in  the  community  where  the  beholder 
resides,  and  the  work  of  death  and  destruction  is  exe- 
cuted before  one's  own  eyes,  it  awakens  in  the  soul  a 
realization  of  the  mental  and  physical  sufferings  of  the 
victim.  But  when  the  relentless  hand  of  the  destroyer 
is  laid  upon  you  or  yours,  my  dear  reader — and  upon 
mine — then,  and  only  then,  do  we  fully  realize  the  sharp- 
ness of  the  pain  and  know  the  full  measure  of  the  suffer- 
ings experienced.  That  small  letter  "  I "  makes  wonder- 
ful changes  in  the  sight  and  feelings  of  men  and  women. 
"  Every  heart  knows  its  own  sorrow."  "  Am  I  my 
brother's  keeper?"  is  a  question  frequently  asked,  but 
not  readily  answered,  by  people  busied  with  worldly 
cares  and  encumbered  on  every  hand. 


94  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

It  is  to  the  credit  of  poor  human  nature  that  the  rule 
is,  and  not  exception,  that  the  ear  of  man  is  quick  to 
hear  the  cry  of  the  needy  and  his  hand  extended  to 
minister  to  the  calls  of  the  distressed. 

The  influence  which  goes  out  from  the  altar  of  scores 
of  fraternal  organizations  tlrroughout  the  land  has  had 
much  to  do  with  cutting  away  the  "suckers"  and  off 
shoots — selfishness — from  the  stately  tree  of  philanthro- 
phy  and  allowed  it  to  strike  its  roots  down  deep  into  the 
soil — the  heart  of  man — and  spread  its  branches  far  out 
so  that  its  fruits  may  be  scattered  abroad  for  the  healing 
of  the  sickened  body  and  desponding  soul. 

It  is  generally  considered  that  the  legitimate  work  of 
Odd  Fellow  lodges  and  encampments,  as  well  as  that  of 
kindi'ed  beneficial  organizations,  is  to  dispense  pecuniary 
aid  to  members  of  the  Order,  in  accordance  with  the  pro- 
visions of  the  constitution  and  by-laws  of  such  organiza- 
tions, consequently  there  has  been  but  very  little  known 
by  "the  world  at  large  "  of  what  has  been  and  is  daily  be- 
ing done  by  lodges  and  encampments,  as  such,  and  indi- 
vidual members,  for  the  relief  of  the  sick  and  suffering. 
The  published  reports  show  only  the  amount  of  mon- 
ey expended  for  the  payment  of  weekly  and  funeral 
benefits.  The  actual  charities  of  lodges  and  the  personal 
contributions  of  a  large  body  of  tender-hearted  members 
do  not  appear  in  print.  Theirs  is  a  work  in  which  the 
right  hand  knows  not  what  the  left  hand  doeth.  This  is 
just  as  it  should  be,  for  there  are  too  many  examples  of 
Pharisaical  alms-giving,  where  the  gift  is  laid  upon  the 
house-top  altar,  and  the  benefactor  wears  a  complacent 
smile  wlien  he  observes  the  magic  typographical  change 
of  the  word  "honor"  for  the  donors. 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  95 

Tljere  have  been  thousands  upon  thousands  of  meritor- 
ious deeds  performed  by  organizations  and  worthy  men 
and  women  which  will  never  be  known  in  this  life.  The 
record  for  kind  acts  and  the  good  done  comes  into  the 
soul  of  the  benefactor  like  the  genial  rays  of  the  bright 
morning  sun  upon  the  lovely  rose,  causing  it  to  emit 
fragrant  perfumes. 

There  are  times  and  circumstances  in  the  experience 
of  individuals  and  communities  wliich  require  prompt 
and  energetic  action.  The  actor  cannot,  if  he  would, 
cover  up  his  acts  from  the  gaze  of  the  multitude  when 
pestilence  walketh  abroad  at  noon-day,  and  the  ravages 
of  the  fu-e  fiend  lays  waste  the  homes  of  families,  and 
crumbles  to  ashes  massive  blocks  of  merchandise  and 
banking-houses,  then  the  names  and  good  deeds  of  men 
are  made  known.  The  large  heart  of  the  philanthropist 
beats  quick  in  sympathy  and  he  is  prompted  to  acts  of 
benevolence  and  charity.  The  writer  calls  to  mind  num- 
erous events  in  his  forty  years'  experience  in  our  Order 
where  the  "two  mite"  contribution  of  the  brother  of 
small  means  has  been  silently  dropped  into  the  treasury 
alongside  of  the  five  and  ten-dollar  offering  of  the 
wealthy  capitalist,  to  relieve  the  needs  of  the  sick  and 
unfortunate,  whether  a  member  of  the  fraternity  or  not. 

The  reward  of  "  inasmuch  as  ye  did  it  unto  one  of 
these  my  brethren,  ye  did  it  unto  me,"  came  in  as  full 
measure  to  the  giver  of  the  "two  mites  "  as  to  him  who 
had  an  abundance  and  made  but  small  sacrifices. 

It  is  with  feelings  of  satisfaction  that  the  close 
observer  of  Odd  Fellow  lodges  as  a  co-operative  body, 
and  the  men  who  compose  the  vast  membership,  read 
its  noble  record  of  devotion  to  the  cause  of  humanity. 


96  BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS. 

There  may  be  isolated  instances  where  the  cry  of  the 
sick  and  needy  has  been  heard  by  an  Odd  Fellow,  only 
in  name,  and  not  heeded  and  answered  by  rendering 
acts  of  mercy  to  the  suppliant.  "  Over  the  hills  to  the 
poor-house  "  should  never  be  said  to  any  unfortunate, 
sick  or  needy  brother  who  has  spent  years  in  advancing 
the  interests  of  the  lodge  and  Order.  And  no  member 
who  possesses  any  love  for  the  principles  of  Odd  Fel- 
lowship will  imbue  his  hands  in  the  sacrifice  of  a 
brother's  feelings  or  his  social  comforts  by  casting  him 
upon  the  "cold  charities  "  of  the  alms-house. 

The  true  character  and  real  soul  of  an  Odd  Fellow 
and  Odd  Fellowship  is  tenderness  and  love.  There  are 
exceptions  to  all  rules.  All  men  so  named  are  not  men 
in  disposition  and  practice,  and  the  writer  will  leave 
such  out  of  the  account  when  speaking  of  manly  char- 
acters and  noble  deeds. 

The  Macedonian  cry  for  help  frequently  comes  from 
the  unfortunate  and  suffering  ones  where  the  ravages 
of  fire  and  destruction  of  floods  have  swept  away  the 
home  and  destroyed  all  the  comforts  of  life.  The 
records  of  nearly  every  lodge  and  encampment,  under 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  show 
that  the  calls  of  the  unfortunate  and  needy  ha^sse  been 
graciously  answered. 

The  Order  in  Maine  and  in  every  other  New  England 
State  has  done  honor  to  the  good  name  of  the  founder 
of  American  Odd  Fellowship,  Thomas  Wildey.  Prom- 
inent among  the  acts  of  benevolence  and  brotherly  love 
was  when  the  sad  tidings  of  the  Johnstown,  Pennsylva- 
nia, horror  (which  occurred  June  3,  1889)  was  spread 
on  lightning  wings  from  the  center  to  the  circumference 


BINDING    OP   THE   LINKS.  97 

of  the  habitable  globe.  Nothing  in  the  history  of  our 
country  compared  with  the  work  of  death  and  destruc- 
tion of  property.  It  was  a  national  calamity  and  the 
whole  nation  mourned  and  offered  up  sacrifices.  The 
strong  bolts  of  the  public  and  private  treasury  were 
forced  back,  and  the  gold  and  silver  poured  out  freely 
for  those  who  were  "setting  in  the  region  and  shadow 
of  death." 

It  is  beyond  the  power  of  tongue  or  pen  to  describe 
the  devastation  and  suffering  which  were  caused  by  the 
bursting  of  Conemaugh's  great  reservoir,  and  the  over- 
whelming rush  of  the  immense  volume  of  water.  Then 
the  ear  of  sympathizing  brothers  of  our  Order  every- 
where, was  placed  close  to  the  ground  to  catch  the  first 
sound  of  the  wails  of  anguish  and  cries  for  help  which 
came  from  brothers  of  the  mystic  tie,  and  brothers  in 
the  great  family  of  man.  In  the  path  of  destruction 
and  death  all  the  halls  and  a  large  part  of  the  member- 
ship of  Morrellville,  Conemaugh,  Alma,  Cambria,  and 
Corona  Lodges  were  swept  away,  leaving  nothing  of 
charters,  books  or  property  to  mark  the  place  of  their 
existence.  The  number  of  brothers  who  perished  in 
the  rushing  waters  reached  to  hundreds. 

Application  for  assistance  was  made  in  all  jurisdic- 
tions and  answers  came  quickly  with  money  in  large 
measure.  The  lodges  in  the  Dirigo  State  heard  the 
call  of  Grand  Muster  Henry  C.  Bagley,  which  was  made 
in  response  to  a  telegram  sent  out  by  the  Grand  Sire 
calling  for  funds.  In  thirty  minutes  from  the  time  the 
message  was  received  by  Grand  Master  Bagley  the  fol- 
lowing circular  was  put  into  the  hands  of  the  printer, 
and  sent  to    all    the  lodges  in  Maine. 


98  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

GpvAnd  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  Maine. 

Office  of  the  Grrand  Master., 
Portland,  Me.,  June  5,  1889. 
To  the  several  Lodges.,  I.  0.  0.  ^.,  of  Maine : 

Brothers  : — By  the  recent  terrible  disaster  at  Johns- 
town, Pa.,  hundreds  of  3^our  brothers  lost  their  lives, 
and  hundreds  of  others  lost  all  they  possessed  of  world- 
ly goods,  and  saw  their  families  perish  amid  the  awful 
flood.  Their  sufferings  exceed  any  stretch  of  the 
imagination,  and  call  for  our  warmest  sympathy  and 
most  speedy  assistance.  Therefore,  in  view  of  the  press- 
ing necessity  of  the  case,  I  have  authorized  the  Grand 
Treasurer  to  immediately  forward  a  check  for  il,000 
and  solicit  contributions  to  cover  this  amount  and  as 
much  more  as  can  be  raised.  It  will  all  be  needed. 
"Give  freely  of  your  abundance  for  sweet  charity's 
sake."  Send  all  contributions  to  Joshua  Davis,  Grand 
Secretary,  Portland,  Maine.  Given  under  my  hand  and 
the  seal  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  this  5th  day  of  June,  1889. 

Henry  C.  Bagley,   Grrand  Master. 
Attest:  Joshua  Davis,  G-rand  Secretary. 

Similar  messages  were  sent  by  the  Grand  Sire  to 
Grand  Masters  in  other  jurisdictions,  bringing  like 
blessed  results.  For  such  noble  purposes  was  the  in- 
stitution of  Odd  Fellowship  established  by  a  band  of 
five  brothers  in  Baltimore,  more  than  seventy  years  ago, 
which  has  grown  into  a  mighty  army ;  spread  over  the 
world  in  lodges  and  encampments ;  has  grappled  with 
forlorn  destitution  and  suffering  and  driven  back  the 
waves  of  ignorance,  vice  and  selfishness  everywhere. 

Institutions,  like  men,  are  called  by  odious  names, 
and  wear  an  unseeming  exterior  while  possessing  a  true 
heart  within.    They  should  not  be  judged  by  what  they 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  99 

appear.     We  are  Odd  Fellows  only  while  we  act  like 
honest,  sympathizing  men. 

Another  striking  illustration  of  the  kind  heartedness 
of  Odd  Fellows  is  shown  by  the  humane  acts  and  gener- 
ous contributions  of  lodges  and  hidividual  members  of 
the  Order  in  Massachusetts,  January,  1889.  At  the 
time  Atlantic  Lodge  of  Marblehead  suffered  by  the  dis- 
astrous conflagration  in  that  town,  the  lodges  in  the 
jurisdiction  did  not  wait  for  the  appeals  of  their  broth- 
ers in  distress  for  assistance,  but  promptly  responded  to 
the  request  of  Grand  Master  Pinkerton,  and  forwarded 
their  contributions  to  the  Grand  Treasurer,  amounting 
to  over  three  thousand  dollars.  The  recipients  of  such 
generous  favors  did  not  forget  to  return  thanks  to  their 
benefactors,  and  called  to  mind  that  "  It  is  more  blessed 
to  give  than  to  receive."  When  the  tidings  of  the  des- 
olation and  suffering  occasioned  by  the  bursting  of 
Conemaugh's  reservoir  came  to  their  knowledge,  then 
the  brothers  of  Atlantic  Lodge  forgot  their  own  losses 
and  troubles  and  contributed  of  their  limited  substance 
fifty  dollars.  Accompanying  the  money  were  words  of 
comfort  and  encouragement  to  their  brothers  at  Johns- 
town, Pennsylvania.  Such  acts  of  christian  philanthro- 
phy  are  worthy  to  be  recorded  on  marble  tablets  and 
handed  down  to  all  coming  generations. 

The  old  Bay  State  has  many  noble  hearted  men  and 
women  within  its  jurisdiction  who  are  Odd  Fellows  in 
principle  and  practice,  though  having  never  been  in- 
itiated into  the  mysteries  of  the  Order. 

It  affords  the  writer  much  pleasure  to  record  the  mer- 
itorious acts  of  Mr.  Thomas  H.  Dodge  of  Worcester, 
Mass., — not  an   Odd  Fellow — for  his  generous  donation 


100  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

of  a  beautiful  site  for  the  location  of  the  Odd  Fellows' 
Home,  valued  at  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  including  a 
lot  of  ten  acres  of  excellent  land  overlooking  the  north- 
ern portion  of  the  city.  In  addition  to  these  munificent 
gifts,  he  gave  the  use  of  pasture  land  for  a  term  of 
years,  and  a  cash  donation  of  five  hundred  dollars  to  be 
expended  in  books  for  the  library. 

There  are  scores  of  men  in  the  land  like  Mr.  Dodge, 
who  need  not  take  the  obligations  of  the  Order,  or  be 
instructed  in  the  lessons  of  the  ritual,  to  make  them  bet- 
ter in  principle  and  practice  than  many  who  have  knelt 
at  the  altar  and  pledged  fidelity  to  the  cause  of  Friend- 
ship, Love  and  Truth. 

Members  of  the  Fraternity  in  Massachusetts  and 
other  jurisdictions  made  liberal  contributions  for  the 
sufferers  from  yellow  fever  in  Florida  in  1888.  Richard 
W.  Drown  Lodge,  of  Lynn,  sent  a  check  for  fifty  dollars. 
Grand  Master  W.  N.  Baker  of  Florida  was  a  victim  to 
the  dreadful  scourge  and  died  in  September,  1888, 
with  many  other  beloved  members  of  the  Order  in  that 
State. 

THE   YOUNG   PRINTER   BOY". 

It  is  comforting  to  the  minds  of  persons  advanced  in 
years  to  recall  pleasing  events  and  old  associations. 
The  remembrance  of  evil  things  is  repulsive  to  the  soul 
of  man,"  and  it  is  well  that  "  the  grave  covers  all  imper- 
fections," so  passing  years  in  a  large  degree  assuage 
the  sorrows  of  life  and  heal  the  broken  heart  crushed  by 
misfortune  or  death.  A  kind  word  is  never  forgotten, 
and  good  deeds  are  like  precious  gems.  The  precej^ts 
and  practices  of  the  true  Odd  Fellow  begets  love  in  the 
soul  which  is  made  manifest  by  words  and  acts. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  101 

No  genuine  Odd  Fellow,  old  or  young,  has  ever  failed 
of  doing  some  good  to  his  fellow-man,  and  the  world  is 
full  of  the  noble  deeds  of  brothers  of  the  triple  link. 
There  are  numerous  examples  of  some  great  and  lasting 
good  bestowed  upon  the  friendless  and  needy  by  the 
kind  words  and  the  helping  hand  of  an  Odd  Fellow. 
Such  instances  have  come  into  the  life  and  experience 
of  the  writer.     One  now  comes  fresh  to  mind. 

Not  quite  fourteen  years  ago  a  young  man  just  step- 
ping from  his  teens  left  his  country  home  to  seek 
employment  in  a  neighboring  town.  He  had  little 
knowledge  of  business  affairs,  having  passed  his  boyhood 
days  at  school  and  attending  to  farm  work.  EdAvard 
had  a  bright,  discerning  eye  and  intelligent  countenance. 
His  manly  deportment  recommended  him  to  the  favor 
of  the  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  village  newspaper, 
to  whom  he  had  applied  for  the  situation  of  "printer's 
devil."  He  was  willing  to  start  at  the  lowest  round  of 
the  ladder  and  work  his  way  up  to  fame  and  fortune. 
His  willing  assent  to  comply  with  all  the  conditions  of 
the  agreement  between  employer  and  employee  made 
it  possible  for  him  to  enter  at  once  upon  his  work. 

A  weighty  responsibility  then  came  upon  the  editor 
into  whose  keeping  was  given  the  moral  and  intellectual 
training  of  the  young  man,  away  from  his  home  and  re- 
moved from  parental  influences.  A  new  world  was 
opening  before  the  eyes  and  mind  of  Edward. 

Boys  will  and  should  have  young  associates.  In 
cities  and  large  towns  the  choice  of  companions  is  a  dif- 
ficult one  to  make.  There  are  those  who  "  have  a  rough, 
unseemingly  exterior,  but  may  possess  a  true  heart 
within;"   while  others  whose  outward  garb  is  fine  and 


102  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

glittering  may  be  devoid  of  all  moral  principle.  ,  The 
natural  eye  of  the  experienced  readers  of  human  char- 
acter is  not  always  quick  to  discern  the  true  inwardness 
of  his  fellow-man. 

The  good  seed  sown  by  Edward's  christian  parents 
had  taken  root  in  his  young  heart  and  he  was  slow  to 
turn  aside  into  the  ways  of  evil-doers.  He  was  diligent 
and  faithful  in  the  performance  of  every  duty  pertain- 
ing to  his  place  and  occupation.  He  "  despised  not  the 
day  of  small  things,"  and  long  before  the  time  of  service 
usually  required  of  apprentices  had  expired,  Edward 
was  far  advanced  as  a  compositor,  having  learned  "the 
case,"  and  could  do  creditable  work  on  the  "  job  press." 
These  adva,nces  he  made  by  personal  efforts  and  appli- 
cation during  the  hours  that  other  apprentices  spent  in 
sport  and  loafing  about  the  street  corners. 

Edward  aspired  to  be  a  man  in  character  and  position 
in  society,  and  in  order  to  attain  to  the  mark  he  had  set 
for  himself,  he  put  forth  earnest  efforts.  Like  many 
other  country  lads  he  possessed  no  wealth.  His  capital 
was  his  intellect,  his  time,  his  opportunities.  These  he 
used  to  the  best  advantage  and  obtained  the  largest  and 
most  profitable  returns.  Edward  was  a  close  observer 
of  men,  their  professions,  and  their  practices. 

On  one  occasion,  while  seated  beside  the  editor, 
Edward's  eye  caught  a  glimpse  of  the  golden  links  upon 
his  vestments,  and  his  curiosity  was  aroused  at  the 
sight.  Hesitatingly,  but  modestly,  he  inquired  "  What 
does  it  signify?"  His  query  was  answered  by  the 
editor,  much  to  the  satisfaction  and  delight  of  the  seeker 
after  knowledge.  It  was  then  the  golden  opportunity  to 
impress  his  young  mind  with  correct  ideas  concerning 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  103 

the  Order,  and  in  a  kind  way  create  a  desire  in  his 
heart  to  be  bound  by  the  chain  of  Friendship,  Love 
Trnth. 

Edward  expressed  a  wish  to  unite  with  the  Order, 
having  witnessed  some  of  the  privileges  and  blessings 
that  flow  from  membership  therein.  He  had  seen  the 
widow  cared  for  and  the  orphan  protected  by  the  benef- 
icent hands  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  had  seen  the  charac- 
ter of  men  improved  and  elevated  by  the  knowledge 
and  practice  of  the  precepts  of  the  Order.  He  regarded 
membership  in  the  Fraternity  a  position  of  honor  and 
privilege.  To  learn  more  of  its  magnitude  and  intrinsic 
excellence,  he  made  it  a  daily  study.  Then  it  was  that 
he  wished  the  wheels  of  time  to  roll  swifter  and  bring 
the  day  of  his  eligibility  to  membership  in  the  lodge  in 
the  home  of  his  adoption. 

The  editor  became  especially  interested  in  the  future 
welfare  of  the  young  man  under  his  charge,  and  was 
glad  he  had  turned  liis  attention  to  so  good  and  helpful 
a  subject.  It  became  a  pleasure  for  him  to  render 
Edward  every  possible  assistance  in  accomplishing  the 
purposes  he  so  earnestly  sought  for.  As  time  moved 
on  and  the  last  months  of  Edward's  non-age  drew  near, 
he  was  becoming  better  acquainted  with  the  principles 
and  laws  of  the  Order.  His  twenty-first  birthday  was 
to  be  made  a  memorable  event. 

When  legally  qualified  his  name  was  appended  to  a 
petition  for  membership  in  the  lodge  in  the  village 
where  he  resided,  accompanied  by  the  usual  fee,  a  bright 
gold  coin,  a  natal-day  present  from  his  employer. 

On  that  auspicious  night  Edward  stood  before  the 
altar   and  was  duly  instructed  in  the   mysteries  and 


104  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

teacliings  of  Odd  Fellowship  b}^  tlie  Noble  Grand  (his  em- 
ployer and  instructor  in  type-setting.)  With  advancing 
years  he  advanced  in  the  degrees  and  knowledge  of  the 
Order,  until  he  had  become  sufficiently  learned  to  per- 
form the  duties  of  the  various  offices  to  which  he  was 
elected,  and  he  soon  gained  rank  among  his  associates. 

When  Edward  had  become  master  of  his  trade  he 
followed  the  advice  of  the  illustrious  journalist,  Horace 
Greely,  and  set  his  face  towards  the  far  West,  bearing 
on  his  person  the  golden  links  and  an  Odd  Fellow's 
visiting  card.  His  passports  among  strangers  were  the 
best  recommendations  that  any  young  man  can  possess. 
They  brought  him  friends  and  brothers. 

The  sequel  to  the  story  of  "Edward  the  Young  Print- 
er Boy,"  is  told  in  a  few  words.  He  soon  found  em- 
ployment in  a  newspaper  office  among  brothers  of  the 
Order,  in  a  thriving  western  city,  and  to-day  he  occu- 
pies the  managing  editor's  chair  of  one  of  the  leading 
journals  in  that  prosperous  State.  Odd  Fellowship  to 
him  is  more  than  a  mere  beneficial  organization,  "having 
for  its  single  purpose  the  relief  of  its  members  in  the 
trials  incident  to  human  life."  He  has  allowed  the  great 
principles,  benevolence  and  charity,  to  influence  and 
"govern  his  acts,  and  has  found  by  happy  experience 
that  in  the  practice  of  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth  is 
found  the  surest  safe-guard  against  the  ills  of  life." 

Such,  kind  reader,  is  the  out-growth  of  right  begin- 
ning and  fidelity  to  the  trusts  committed  to  a  brother 
man. 

THE   SIGNAL   OF   DISTRESS. 

Were  you,  my  brother,  ever  alone  in  a  great  city, 
hundreds   of   miles   distant   from    your   home,    among 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  105 

strangers,  when  there  were  none  to  speak  your  name, 
and  thousands  passed  you  hurriedly  by  without  a  word 
or  smile  ?  Many  such  there  are  to-day  treading  the 
great  cities  of  America  and  the  mother  country. 

The  adage,  "A  well-filled  pocket-book  is  man's  best 
friend  abroad,"  may  be  true,  if  the  stranger  is  physical- 
ly sound  and  able  to  cope  with  desperate  and  unscrup- 
ulous characters  that  prowl  around  under  cover  of  night 
and  lay  in  wait  to  kill  for  plunder. 

It  is  an  encouraging  thought  that  Odd  Fellowship  and 
kindred  benevolent  Orders  g^re  multiplying  and  exert- 
inff  their  benimi  iniiuence  on  the  lives  and  character  of 
men  throughout  the  world,  and  in  whatever  part  of  the 
globe  our  brother  man  may  travel  he  can  find  some  one 
to  hear  and  answer  his  signal  of  distress.  Since  the 
days  when  the  scenes  in  the  narrative  here  related  were 
enacted,  hundreds  of  thousands  of  names  have  been 
added  to  the  roll  of  brothers  in  Odd  Fellow  lodges. 

The  subject  of  our  story  was  a  young  man  residing 
in  a  small  New  England  village.  He  had  united  with 
the  Order  in  the  early  days  of  its  existence.  His  oppor- 
tunities for  visiting  lodges  were  limited,  but  he  had  ap- 
plied himself  in  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  the  Liavs  and 
usages  of  the  Order,  and  became  quite  proficient  in  the 
use  of  the  means  whereby  brothers  may  obtain  assist- 
ance in  times  of  trouble  or  need.  Urgent  business  de- 
manded his  presence  in  the  great  city  of  New  York. 
He  had  never  before  wandered  so  far  from  his  home. 

It  was  a  trying  ordeal  for  him  to  pass  through  to 
start  out  on  such  a  long  journey,  unattended  by  any 
familiar  face,  or  lips  to  speak  a  word  of  cheer. 


106  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

The  journey  was  a  long  and  weary  one.  His  only 
safety  and  success  was  in  following  the  direction  of  one 
who  had  years  of  experience  in  traveling. 

The  young  adventurer  started  out  on  his  journey  and 
arrived  safely  at  his  object  point.  It  was  at  a  late  hour 
of  night  when  the  steamer  arrived  at  the  pier.  The 
young  man  ordered  a  carriage  to  convey  him  to  a 
"down-town  hotel,"  and  was  "sent  up"  to  his  room  on 
the  elevator,  a  new  and  strange  affair  to  him. 

The  motion  of  the  steamer  with  other  movements  to 
which  he  was  unacustomed  had  disorganized  his  system, 
producing  cramps  and  severe  pains  in  the  region  of  the 
stomach.  He  was  ignorant  of  the  method  used  for  call- 
ing assistance,  and  was  too  ill  to  arise  and  grope  his 
way  to  where  help  might  be  obtained.  His  pains  be- 
came more  intense.  He  groaned  and  writhed  in  agony. 
At  last  he  became  desperate  and  raised  his  voice  in  loud 
pleading  for  help.  There  were  words  used  in  his  cries 
for  assistance  that  fell  upon  the  ear  of  the  occupant  of 
the  adjoining  room.  He  had  heard  those  words  before 
and  understood  their  import.  Having  been  a  resident 
of  the  "  wicked  city  "  many  years  and  passed  his  nights 
in  hotels,  it  was  no  uncommon  occurence  for  the  Good 
Samaritan  to  be  disturbed  by  the  groans  and  cries  of 
those  who  had  "  tarried  long  at  the  wine  "  and  were 
haunted  by 

"The  spirits  above  and  the  spirits  below, 
The  spirits  of  joy  and  the  spirits  of  woe." 

His  first  impulse  was  to  let  "the  fool  suffer  the  pen- 
alty of  his  own  folly,"  but  the  repetition  of  those  signif- 
icant  words,   intermingled    with    pleadings    for    help 


I 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  107 

recalled  his  solemn  obligation  to  assist  a  ])rother  in  dis- 
tress and  lie  promptly  obeyed  the  second  great  command 
of  Odd  Fellowship. 

It  was  with  difficulty  he  gained  an  entrance  to  the 
traveler's  room,  but  when  the  door  was  opened  he  was 
assured  that  he  stood  at  the  bedside  of  a  sick  and  suffer- 
ing brother  of  our  Order,  and  that  his  condition  required 
immediate  and  puissant  treatment.  He  realized  that 
the  life  of  his  newly  found  brother  was  depending  on 
his  good  judgment  and  earnest  efforts.  It  was  a  moment 
of  deep  thought  and  unhesitating  action,  and  no  time 
was  lost  in  summoning  medical  aid.  Messengers  were 
dispatched  to  call  in  other  brothers  of  the  Fraternity 
for  counsel.  They  came  from  the  lodge-room  and  family 
circles  and  tenderly  took  the  suffer  by  the  hand  and 
spake  to  him  words  of  cheer.  He  was  no  longer  a 
stranger  and  alone  in  the  great  city.  Everything  was 
done  that  it  was  in  the  power  of  mortals  to  do. 

When  the  morning  sun  shone  through  the  windows 
of  the  room,  the  eyes  of  the  delirious  man  looked  upon 
a  scene  which  will  never  be  effaced  from  his  memory. 
"What  strange  thing,"  thought  he,  "has  been  wrought 
since  I  entered  this  room  ?  Who  are  all  these,  and  from 
whence  came  they  ?  " 

By  the  close  attention  of  kind  brothers  and  effective 
medical  treatment  the  patient  was  relieved  of  his  suffer- 
ings and  placed  in  a  fair  way  for  recovery,  but  the 
brothers  never  for  a  moment  left  their  posts  of  duty  of 
shortened  their  alms  in  performing  kindly  ofifices  or 
humane  benefaction. 

Letters  were  written  by  brothers  who  had  left  their 
pleasant  homes,  couched  in  words  of  tender  regard  and 


108  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

encouragement,  and  sent  to  the  friends  and  relatives  of 
tlie  absent  son  and  brother,  and  were  freely  reciprocated 
by  the  anxious  and  devoted  members  of  his  family  many 
miles  away. 

As  days  passed  returning  health  brought  color  to  the 
pallid  cheeks  and  strength  to  the  feeble  limbs  of  young 
Arthur — the  hero  of  our  sketch.  He  had  sufficiently 
recovered  his  health  to  enable  him  to  walk  about  the 
room  and  sit  by  the  open  window,  and  look  out  upon 
the  masterly  structures  of  brick,  granite  and  marble,  with 
their  towering  roofs  and  capacious  cupolas.  Such  grand 
edifices  his  eyes  had  never  before  beheld,  but  there  was 
a  lack  in  the  picture.  No  beautiful  shade  trees,  green 
fields  and  singing  birds,  with  sweet  odors  from  fragrant 
flowers  and  blooming  peach  orchards,  came  to  view. 

On  a  bright  June  morning,  Arthur  Avas  invited  to  a 
seat  with  brothers  of  the  friendly  Order,  in  a  comfort- 
able carriage  drawn  by  a  pair  of  handsome  grays,  and 
driven  to  notable  places  in  the  city.  It  was  a  day  of 
rare  enjoyment  to  him ;  such  a  generous  treat  seldom 
comes  to  "a  country  boy."  He  was  dazed  by  the  sights 
and  sounds  that  met  him  at  every  turn. 

He  received  the  assistance  of  those  who  had  stood  by 
him  in  the  hour  of  sickness  and  trouble,  in  transacting 
the  business  which  called  him  from  his  home,  to  the 
satisfaction  of  all  concerned,  and  was  prepared  to  return 
and  give  an  account  of  his  stewardship. 

The  parting  from  those  who  had  shown  themselves 
true  and  devoted  friends  was  among  the  unpleasant 
things  in  Arthur's  experience.  Their  tender  words  and 
beneficent  acts  had  kindled  a  flame  of  love  and  affection 
in  his  heart  that  could  not  be  quenched. 


BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS.  109 

"When  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth  abound 
Among  a  band  of  brothers, 
The  cup  of  joy  goes  gaily  round, — 
Eacli  shares  the  bliss  of  others." 

It  was  hard  for  tliem  to  separate  and  they  did  not  un- 
til the  brother  who  first  heard  the  cries  and  oroans  of 
the  suffering  one  in  the  room  adjoining  his  apartments 
weeks  before  had  accompanied  Arthur  to  his  home  and 
shared  in  the  privileges  and  joys  of  the  happy  re-union 
of  father  and  son,  family  and  friends.  He  was  fully  re- 
warded for  all  his  labors  of  love  and  good  deeds  by  the 
consciousness  of  having  faithfully  performed  his  duty 
by  answering  the  signal  of  distress. 

HE   WAS    A   TRUE   BROTHER   AND   FRIEND. 

In  this  world  of  change  and  scenes  there  is  nothing 
perfectly  secure  in  business  or  monetary  affairs.  All 
classes  and  conditions  of  men,  everywhere,  are  in  some 
measure  affected  by  the  fluctuations,  suspensions  or  utter 
failure  of  the  producing  forces.  There  are  few  men 
who  possess  the  courage  or  the  means  to  start  out  or 
continue  in  any  line  of  business  or  scheme  that  fails  to 
Ijring  renumerative  returns  for  the  time  spent  and  ca})i- 
tal  invested.  Men  of  large  means  and  sagacity  are  gen- 
erally lacking  that  quality  termed  "  disinterested  benev- 
olences," which  prompts  men  to  assist  and  benefit  their 
fellow  men  at  the  sacrifice  of  their  own  comfort  or  loss  of 
money. 

The  creed  and  daily  practice  of  mankind,  uncontrolled 
by  the  tender  influences  of  brotherly  love  and  charity, 
is  to  care  for  self  first  and  at  all  times ;  but  thanks  to  the 
benign  influences  of  the  principles  and  teachings  of  Odd 
Fellowship,  we   are   permitted   to   present    before   the 


110  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

reader  a  true  brother  and  friend,  one  whose  example  is 
worthy  to  be  followed  by  many  persons  professing  large 
philanthropy  and  christian  benevolence. 

The  friend,  for  such  he   was,  is   introduced   to   tlie 

reader  as  Past  Grand  B ,  of  a  large  commercial  city 

where  there  were  residing  scores  of  members  of  our 
Order. 

It  was  in  the  days  of  unsettled  business  and  financial 
depression.  Failure  succeeded  failure.  Mechanics,  arti- 
sans and  industrious  wage-workers  were  thrown  out  of 
employment  by  hundreds,  and  nearly  every  avenue  for 
obtaining  the  means  of  support  was  closed.  It  was  a 
time  of  complaining  and  earnest  inquir}^,  "  What  am  I 
to  do?" 

Weeks  passed  and  there  came  no  change  for  the  bet- 
ter. Men  of  scanty  means  were  compelled  to  leave 
their  homes  to  seek  employment  in  towns  and  cities  in 
distant  States.  "The  calamity"  affected  every  interest, 
public  and  private. 

Past  Grand  B was  the  financial  officer  in  a  lodge 

representing  among  its  membership  hundreds  of  young 
men  dependent  upon  their  daily  earning.  The  credit 
and  debit  pages  of  the  ledger  in  his  keej)ing  showed  the 
fiscal  standing  of  the  brothers.  It  was  apparent  to  him 
that  the  suspension  of  certain  business  operations  in  that 
city  would  work  detriment  to  the  welfare  of  the  lodge. 
The  non-payment  of  dues  necessitated  the  suspension  of 
its  members  and  cut  them  off  from  the  benefits  and 
privileges  of  the  Order,  thereby  bringing  distress  and 
sorrow  upon  the  innocent  and  helpless. 

The  large,  generous  heart  of  Past  Grand  B ,  was 

stirred  within  liim  and  he  resolved  to  avert  the  impend- 
ing evil  if  possible. 


\ 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  Ill 

In  one  of  the  national  banks  of  the  city  was  deposited 
two  thousand  dollars,  money  earned  by  his  hard  labor 
and  careful  saving.  He  solicited  the  co-operation  of 
able  and  experienced  business  men  to  join  him  in  the 
manufacture  of  shoes ;  to  open  and  fit  up  shops  with 
machinery  and  all  needful  appliances  for  "turning  out" 
a  style  and  quality  of  goods  that  would  furnish  employ- 
ment for  a  large  number  of  worthy,  industrious  men, 
few  if  any  of  whom  were  skilled  workmen.  His  object, 
he  said,  "  was  not  to  get  or  make  money,"  but  to  set  "  the 
boys  at  work  to  help  them  and  their  families  over  the 
pinch." 

His  propositions  were  received  with  contempt  and  he 
was  looked  upon  as  a  "  wild  man "  that  needed  to  be 
placed  under  guardianship.  To  entertain  such  notions 
was  suicidal.  "Business  of  every  kind"  they  said,  was 
tottering  on  the  brink  of  destruction.  Men  dare  not 
trust  the  banks  with  their  money,  much  less  invest  in 
wild  speculations;  but  the  humane  brother  thought  not 
so,  but  put  far  oif  the  evil  day  and  moved  boldly  for- 
ward in  the  course  he  had  marked  out.  Sufficient  funds 
and  material  were  obtained,  mechanics  were  employed, 
and  everj^thing  required  to  accomplish  his  purposes  were 
at  his  command. 

In  due  season  the  building,  with  its  machinery  and  fit- 
tings, was  completed  and  occupied  by  practiced  work- 
men to  instruct  novices.  A  call  was  issued  by  the 
proprietor  for  men,  preference  being  given  to  brothers  of 
the  Odd  Fellow  Fraternity,  to  fill  the  places,  and  where 
there  were  vacancies  others  were  admitted  to  the  work- 
rooms and  became  members  of  the  "  Crispin  Union." 

The  movement  which  Past  Grand  B made  at  the 

time  of  financial  chaos  proved  to  be  a  wise  and  felicitous 


112  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

one,  notwithstanding  many  wise  men  (?)  predicted  evil 
and  wicked  things  against  him.  Prosperity  and  blessing 
followed  his  humane  and  noble  acts.  His  Odd  Fellow 
obligations  led  him  to  put  forth  earnest  effort  to  aid  his 
brothers  at  a  time  most  needed.  He  was  supported  by 
the  strong  pillars  of  Faith,  Hope  and  Charity,  and  was 
able  to  overcome  almost  unsurmountable  obstacles. 
There  is  such  a  quality  in  man  as  "true  disinterested 
benevolence,"  and  it  was  clearly  and  faithfully  exempli- 
fied by  the  "true  brother  and  friend." 

A    UNIVERSAL   BROTHERHOOD. 

The  mission  of  Odd  Fellowship  is  not  confined  to 
works  of  benevolence  and  charity  among  the  member- 
ship of  the  Order.  The  ear  of  the  truly  humane  brother 
is  quick  to  hear  the  cries  of  the  needy  and  sorrowing, 
when  it  comes  from  the  soul  and  is  spoken  from  the  lips 
of  those  outside  the  circle  of  lodge  membership. 

Men  may  and  often  do  possess  all  the  qualities  of  a 
good  Odd  Fellow  though  they  may  never  cross  the  thresh- 
old of  a  lodge-room  or  take  any  of  the  obligations  re- 
quired of  initiates.  It  is  what  men  do,  and  not  what 
they  think  or  say,  that  builds  character  and  tells  for  good 
or  evil  on  the  lives  of  their  fellow-men.  The  writer  has 
had  large  opportunities  for  gainhig  a  knowledge  of  the 
great  good  that  has  been  accomplished  by  the  individual 
efforts  of  members  of  lodges.  A  voluminous  book  of 
interesting  and  authentic  narratives  might  be  written  on 
the  noble  deeds  of  love  and  mercy  performed  by  philan- 
throphic  men  and  women,  members  of  Rebekah  Degree 
Lodges.  Those  possessing  naturally  tender  hearts  have 
been  incited  to  earnest  action  by  the  divine  lessons  of 
humanity  taught  in  our  rituals. 


BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS.  113 

It  would  be  impossible  to  entertain  the  reader  witli  a 
reeital  of  one  in  a  hundred  of  the  pathetic  cases  that 
have  come  under  the  writer's  observation  and  personal 
experience.  Among  those  of  special  mention  and  prom- 
inence was  the  case  of  Mrs.  M ,  a  poor  widow  with 

a  family  of  four  dependent  childien,  residing  in  a  small 
manufacturing  village  in  Rhode  Island.  The  husband 
and  father  was  an  industrious  man  without  the  means 
or  the  advantages  of  a  trade  or  any  regular  occupation. 
He  was  dependent  upon  such  employment  as  he  could 
obtain  from  day  to  day  to  earn  a  supi)ort  for  his  family. 
To  add  to  other  discomfitures  he  was  the  sul)ject  of 
feeble  health,  which  not  only  deprived  him  of  the  great 
boon  of  life's  joys  and  comforts,  but  shut  him  out  from 
privileges  and  advantages  which  men  of  rugged  consti- 
tution  possess.      Mr.    M was   a   man   of  correct 

habits,  intelligent,  and  amiable  disposition.  He  drew 
about  him  many  friends  and  sought  the  society  of  the 
good  and  worthy.  So  far  as  he  had  the  opportunity  and 
ability  he  acted  well  his  part  in  promoting  the  welfare 
of  his  fellow  men. 

The  beneficiary  system  of  Odd  Fellowship  affected  his 
chances  for  membership  in  the  Order.  It  v/as  no  fault 
of  his  that  sickness  and  disability  had  put  a  barrier  in 
the  way  of  his  uniting  with  an  institution  that  he  re- 
garded with  much  favor,  but  "  sound  health  "  was  one 
of  the  constitutional  jirerequisites  to  membership.  It 
was  one  of  the  strong  safeguards  against  pecuniary  loss 
and  for  the  perpetuity  of  the  Order.  It  was  for  tliis 
cause  only  that  his  petition  was  not  granted.  In  all 
other  respects  his  name  and  influence  would  have  been 
far   more  worthy  and  honored  than  some  whose  only 


114  BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS. 

title  to  membership  was  their  enroHment  and  certificate 
of  "  paid  up  dues." 

There  came  trouble  into  the  poor  man's  home  in  the 
days  of  his  declining  years.  Sickness  and  misfortune 
had  cut  off  his  resources,  and  it  became  a  difficult  mat- 
ter for  him  to  provide  even  tlie  necessities  of  life ;  but 
he  and  his  were  not  forgotten  in  the  days  of  their  trial 
and  despondency. 

The  question  propounded  at  the  weekly  lodge-meet- 
ings, "is  any  brother  in  need  of  our  aid  or  sympathy?" 
had  a  deeper  and  broader  signification  in  the  minds  of 
a  few  tried  and  faithful  brothers  than  is  regarded  by 
members  of  the  Order  generally.  It  was  not  enough 
for  them  to  know  that  those  of  their  own  household 
were  looked  after  and  kindly  cared  for,  but  wherever 
the  cup  of  sorrow  had  been  drunk,  they  felt  in  duty 
bound  to  sweeten  the  draught  and  bring  joy  to  the  ach- 
ing heart.  They  felt  the  force  of  the  great  command  to 
"  Visit  the  sick  and  relieve  the  distress,"  and  thought- 
fully asked,  "Who  is  my  neighbor?"  Then  copying 
after  the  example  of  the  Good  Samaritan,  they  per- 
formed the  same  kindly  offices  as  if  the  sick  man  had 
been  a  member  of  their  own  band  and  a  supporter  of  its 
laws. 

During  all  the  days  and  months  of  Mr.  M 's  sick- 
ness they  gathered  around  his  bed  and  ministered  to  his 
comfort.  His  name  was  among  those  mentioned  in  the 
weekly  reports  of  the  lodge  Visiting  Committee  and  pro- 
vision was  made  for  providing  the  family  with  food  and 
the  comforts  of  home. 

When  wasting  disease  made  it  necessary  for  watching 
at  night,  kind  brothers  of  the  lodge  volunteered  their 


BINDING   or   THE   LINKS.  115 

services  to  relieve  the  Aveary,  anxinus  wife  and  mother. 
And  when  the  angel  of  death  summoned  away  the  loved 
one  of  the  household  and  caused  fond  hearts  to  mourn, 
everything  that  it  is  in  the  power  of  mortals  to  do  was 
done  to  aid  and  comfort  the  stricken  ones.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  Order  faithfully  performed  the  duties  of 
protectors,  advisers,  and  benefactors.  Through  their 
interposition  the  little  family  circle  was  unbroken  and 
kept  sacred.  The  mental  and  moral  training  of  the 
children  was  cared  for,  their  lives  made  useful  and 
honorable.  To-day  the  writer  reads  the  name  of  one 
member  of  the  little  family  among  the  honored  graduates 
in  a  celebrated  New  England  literary  institution.  The 
other  children  are  growing  in  years  and  usefulness. 
They  will  all  make  their  mark  in  the  world. 

The  bereaved  mother  lived  a  few  years  in  sorrowing 
over  her  loss,  but  had  the  comforting  assurance  that  a 
loving  Heavenly  Father  cared  for  her  and  doeth  all 
things  well.  When  death's  cold  hand  was  laid  upon 
her  brow  she  uttered  blessings  upon  the  institution  of 
Odd  Fellowship,  and  thanked  God  for  the  devotion  of 
true  brothers. 

The  good  that  men  do  lives  after  them,  but  "  man's 
inhumanity  to  man  makes  countless  thousands  mourn." 
Tliis  life  is  too  short  to  utter  one  unkind  word  or 
harbor  one  unfriendly  feeling. 


CHAPTER  X. 

THE   FORTIETH   ANNIVERSARY. 

Along  life's  highway  appear  way-marks  which  can 
be  passed  only  once  by  the  traveler,  and  no  time  is  al- 
lowed for  halting  to  review  the  past.  These  way-marks 
remind  the  traveler  that  his  "  days  are  swifter  than  a 
weaver's  shuttle."  Anniversary  birthdays  or  dates  of 
special  events  are  breathing  places  in  the  journey  of 
man  through  life. 

To  the  true  and  faithful  Odd  Fellow  there  are  few 
events  of  greater  interest  than  the  anniversary  of  his 
introduction  into  the  Order.  If  the  instruction  he  has 
received  has  been  abiding,  and  inspired  him  to  lofty 
purposes  and  honorable  actions,  causing  him  to  practice 
in  his  daily  life  Friendship,  Love  and  Truth,  then  he  ]ias 
been  a  consistent  Odd  Fellow,  a  good  and  noble  man. 
But  the  best  efforts  of  mankind  to  do  right  in  all  things 
are  lacking  and  sometimes  show  a  signal  failure.  "  There 
are  none  perfect;  no,  not  one." 

One  of  the  most  interesting  and  pleasing  events  in 
the  writer's  life  was  the  commemoration  of  his  initiation 
into  the  Order  forty  years  ago.  The  place  and  associa- 
tions connected  with  that  memorable  event  are  vividly 
recalled. 

The  sun  of  April  15,  1889,  arose  clearer  in  a  far-awaj'" 
village  and  country  from  where  it  sat  on  the  night  of 
April  15,  1849,  when  he  was  first  made  acquainted  with 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  117 

tlie  mysteries  and  objects  of  the  great  Fraternity  that 
has  bound  by  its  links  about  a  hirge  expanse  of  country 
in  distant  hinds,  recognizing  alike  men  of  every  nation, 
tongue  and  creed,  as  members  of  the  one  great  brother- 
hood. 

The  writer's  fortieth  Odd  Fellow's  anniversary  was 
made  an  occasion  of  special  interest  by  the  members  of 
the  Order  and  genial  friends,  under  the  roof  of  Hotel 
Willows,  with  landlord  Brother  Will  H.  McDonald  and 
family  to  contribute  to  his  comfort  and  enjoyment. 

The  writer  cannot  give  a  better  idea  of  the  house  and 
its  beautiful  surroundings  than  that  penned  by  a  fasci- 
nated tourist  from  a  western  city  who  spent  his  vaca- 
tion season  at  "  The  Willows,"  and  failed  to  find  words 
to  express  his  delight  and  high  appreciation  of  its 
merits : 

"  The  Hotel  Willows,  with  its  elegant  grounds  laid 
out  in  lawns  and  parks,  is  located  in  the  thriving  vil- 
lage of  Farmington,  which  is  beautifully  situated  in 
close  proximity  to  the  mountain  region  of  North-western 
Maine.  Though  devastated  by  fire  but  little  more  than 
two  years  ago,  the  place  with  its  new  business  blocks 
and  elegant  and  tasteful  residences,  now  presents  a 
more  attractive  appearance  than  ever.  The  town  is 
prettily  laid  out  with  avenues  and  streets  delightfully 
shaded  by  long  rows  of  maple  and  elm-trees,  and  charm- 
ing drives  may  be  enjoyed  in  every  direction.  Close  at 
hand  is  the  somewhat  noted  Powder  House  Hill,  a  high 
eminence  which  commands  a  sweeping  and  unobstructed 
view  of  the  valley  in  every  direction,  and  many  hills 
and  mountains  in  the  distance." 

At  the  close  of  the  day  the  writer  mingled  with  the 
brothers  of  Franklin  Lodge  and  passed  an  enjoyable 
hour. 


118  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

WOETHY   OF    SPECIAL   MENTION. 

Those  divine  words  uttered  more  than  eighteen  hun 
dred  years  ago,  concerning  the  good  and  faithful,  "  Inas- 
much as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  these,  my  brethren, 
ye  have  done  it  unto  me,"  express  the  feelings  of  the 
writer  when  he  recounts  the  comforts  and  blessings 
which  have  come  to  him  from  the  lips  and  hands  of  those 
who  showed  him  special  favor  and  assistance  during  the 
years  when  he  was  journeying  up  and  down  the  land 
in  pursuit  of  names  and  patronage  for  the  Odd  Fellows' 
Register.  Many  of  them  are  endeared  in  his  memory. 
Their  names  are  worthy  to  be  enrolled  on  the  pages  of 
this  book ;  to  be  remembered  so  long  as  it  shall  have  a 
place  in  the  household  of  the  great  and  noble  brother- 
hood. 

The  following  names  appear  in  the  writer's  journal, 
though  there  are  hundreds  of  others  who  are  deserving 
of  like  mention : 

Augusta. — Wm.  R.  Smith,  R.  B.  Capen,  M.  C.  Black- 
well,  E.  Storer. 

Auburn. — John  Read,  C.  M.  Lander,  L.  W.  Haskell, 
R.  M.  Mason,  Geo.  VV.  Bumpus,  A.  E.  Verrill,  Capt. 
Lamb,    F.  W.  Brooks. 

Biddeford. — C.  H.  Brackett,  John  Haley,  G.  N. 
Weymouth. 

Bangor. — Otis  Kaler,  John  E.  Booth,  J.  B.  Packard, 
C.  H.  Thombs,  Lesie  Kellen,  L(ew  W.  Hawthorn,  A.  M. 
Yeaton,  Clavin  Jones. 

Bridgton. — Byron  Kimball,  M.  Gleason,  Geo.  G. 
Wight. 

Belfast— n.  G.  Dyer,  C.  W.  Haney,  Ivory  H.  Har- 
mond. 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  119 

Berwick. — J.  L.  Stone,  M.  J.  Huntress. 

Bath.—W.  E.  Hogan,  V.  P.  Emery,  F.  Sheparcl,  A. 
Humphries. 

Cumberland  Mills.— C.  W.  Mace,  E.  W.  Ayer,  C.  W. 
Foy,  Charles  Holt. 

Calais.— W.  H.  Nichols,  L.  C.  Bailey. 

Dexter.— O.  W.  Bridges,  N.  S.  Roberts,  E.  E.  Sturti- 
vant,  N.  L.  McCrillis,  Charles  T.  Moses. 

j)over.—W.  H.  Blethen,  J.  B.  Mayo,  J.  T.  Lougee. 

Deering. — E.  E.  Adams,  A.  R.  Huston,  A.  A.  Huston, 
O.  A.  Lowell,  W.  T.  Sawyer,  A.  F.  Hill,  C.  Rogers, 
Frank  Stevens,  C.  W.  Davis,  Alex.  Hannah. 

Farmington. — C.  W.  Keyes,  E.  Gerry,  Will  H.  McDon- 
ald, J.  M.  S.  Hunter. 

Fairfield. — John  R.  Foss,  Wm.  H.  Evans,  Simeon 
Merrill. 

Gardiner. — Frank  Purinton. 

Halloivell. — Thomas  Burnham,  C.  F.  Kelbrith,  Ira  W. 
True. 

Kennehunk. — J.  W.  Sargent,  E.  W.  Mendnm. 

Leivisto7i. — Silas  W.  Cook,  O.  G.  Douglass,  L.  P. 
Woodbury,  Geo.  A.  Callahan,  Geo.  W.  Goss. 

Lisbon  Falls.— B.  F.  Thorn. 

North  Berwick. — David  Austin,  W.  H.  Austin,  E.  W. 
Perkins. 

Norway.— K.  L.  F.  Pike,  J.  W.  Crommett,  W.  W. 
Whitmarsh,  A.  S.  Kimball,  Edward  Ames. 

North  Anson. — C.  P.  Smith. 

Norridgewock. — C.  H.  Knowlton,  C.  A.  Harrington, 
Henry  Murphy,  A.  F.  Spaulding,  Bros.  Ingalls  and 
Moore. 

Oakland.— Y..  C.  Blackwell. 


120  BINDING   OF   THE   LINKS. 

Oldtoivn. — E.  W.  Conpait. 

Portland. — Henry  C. '  Bagle}^  Freeman  T.  Merrill, 
Milton  Higgins,  Howard  Winslow,  O.T.  Hodsdon,  M,  K. 
Williams,  F.  T.  Littlefield,  J.  V.  Bradley,  W.  R.  Bolian- 
on,  W.  W.  Kemp,  Charles  J.  Butler,  John  C.  Merrill, 
Thomas  A.  Hood,  Fred  W.  Thompson,  Geo.  S.  Winn, 
Isaac  F.  Clark,  W.  E.Plummer,  Hiram  C.  Jordan,  Leroy 
S.  Sanborn,  A.  D.  Smith,  Geo.  W.  Green,  M.  S.  Gibson, 
Geo.  E.  Davis,  and  Charles  B.  Nash. 

PitUfield.—E.  C.  Bryant,  O.  W.  Blackden,  O.  S. 
Haskell. 

Mockland. — Geo.  W.  Hicks,  John  Colson,  John  Simp- 
son. 

Skowhegan. — R.  D.  Baker,  H.  W.  Gushing,  J.  S. 
Gushing,  William  Nesbitt,  Joseph  Wood. 

Saco.—K.  P.  Burnham,  W.  T.  Simmonds,  W.  S. 
Hasty,  Thomas  Johnston. 

In  Massachusetts  Odd  Fellowship  the  writer  recalls 
the  names  of  many  brothers  in  whose  society  he  has 
spent  many  enjoyable  hours.  Without  consulting  his 
note-book  or  diary  he  is  able  to  bring  before  his  mental 
vision  the  names  and  familiar  faces  of  some  who  in 
other  days  showed  him  brotherly  kindness.  Among 
them  was  the  veteran  Grand  Secretary,  Charles  D.  Cole, 
Boston ;  Grand  Representative  Robert  W.  Tabor, 
New  Bedford ;  Grand  Instructor  James  M.  Price,  East 
Cambridge ;  Past  Grand  Representative  John  U.  Per- 
kins, Past  Grands  Geo.  W.  Perkins,  C.  J.  Tinkom,  Otis 
Merriman,  Jr.,  Chelsea;  Grand  Treasurer  Julius  L. 
Clark,  West  Newton;  Past  Grand  Wesley  K.  Bell, 
Ipswich;  Past  Grand  Master  Horace  W.  Stickney, 
South  Boston  ;   Past  Grand  Masters  A.  B.  Plimpton  and 


BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS.  121 

Francis  Jewett,  Lowell ;  Past  Grands  R.  B.  Gifford,  I). 
B.  Hagar,  E.  B.  Phillips,  N.  A.  Very,  Moses  H.  Sil)ley. 
John  F.  Raymond,  W.  S.  Nevens  (of  Boston  Herald), 
and  Brother  James  Kenny,  Salem;  the  late  Brother 
Gustavus  Ober,  Past  Grand,  Brother  Ezra  Stanley,  Sec- 
retary, and  D.  S.  Ingersoll  of  Bass  River  Lodge,  Beverly ; 
Past  Grand  William  T.  Litchman  of  Atlantic  Lodge, 
Marblehead ;  Brother  W.  Ward  Child,  Secretary  of 
Columbia  Lodge,  Stoneham ;  Past  Grand  James  L. 
Bryant  and  Charles  W.  Fogg,  Secretary  of  Richard  W. 
Drown  Lodge ;  Brother  Leander  Gifford,  Permanent 
Secretary  of  King  Phillip's  Lodge,  Taunton ;  Brother 
J.  L.  Allen,  Secretary  of  Framingham  Lodge,  at  South 
Framingham;  Brother  Jesse  H.  Wade,  Secretary  of 
Agawam  Lodge,  Ipswich;  Brother  C.  E.  Adkins,  Secre- 
tary of  Powow  River  Lodge,  Amesbury;  Brother  J.  H- 
Sherman,  Secretary  of  Acushnet  Lodge,  New  Bedford; 
Past  Grand  W.  F.  Sa\vyer  and  Brother  James  Buxtun, 
Peabody;  Past  Grand  Geo.  H.  Stickney,  Haverhill. 

In  connection  with  the  special  attention  and  favors 
shown  the  writer  by  individual  members  of  lodges  while 
he  was  engaged  in  the  publication  of  the  Reyinter^  he 
does  not  forget  to  make  mention  of  the  material  aid  and 
comfort  given  him  in  later  days,  Avhen  far  away  from 
his  home  during  the  frosts  and  snow  of  mid-winter, 
when  his  resources  had  been  cut  off  by  decline  of  busi- 
ness, and  sickness  in  the  family  necessitated  a  speedy 
return  to  his  home.  In  such  a  trying  hour  the  ear  and 
hands  of  the  tender-hearted  brothers  of  Hope  and 
Swarts  Lodges  in  the  City  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  were 
open  to  hear  and  graciously  answered  the  petitions  of 
the  needy. 


12-2  BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS. 

Prominent  among  these  was  Past  Grand  George  H. 
Munroe,  the  veteran  janitor  of  Odd  Fellows'  Hall  in 
that  city.  Brother  Munroe  had  faithfull}'  served  the 
lodges  and  encampments  nearly  fifteen  years.  Mrs. 
Munroe  his  most  estimable  wife  also  spoke  cheering 
words  and  presented  the  writer  with  tokens  of  remem- 
brance on  that  happy  Christmas  morning.  While  the 
kind  words  and  smiles  of  the  anniversary  season  were 
being  exchanged  by  brothers  and  friends,  the  writer  was 
not  left  out  of  the  circle  or  foi'gotten,  but  received  the 
friendly  salutations  of  Past  Grand  Representative  Lind- 
sey  Anderson,  Past  Grand  Master  Lester  S.  Hill,  Grand 
Master  Eugene  H.  Lincoln,  Grand  Secretary  W.  H.  T. 
Mosley,  Past  Grand  Patriarch  Edwin  A.  Beasley,  Grand 
Representatives  Gilbert  F.  Robbins  and  Wm.  R.  Du- 
temple,  with  scores  of  others  who  performed  numerous 
offices  of  benefaction. 

Eight  years  have  passed  since  the  writer  assumed  the 
editorial  management  of  the  Register.  Those  years 
were  full  of  changes  and  experiences.  Whatever  of 
good  was  accomplished,  the  readers  of  the  paper  are  the 
best  judges.  The  work  of  editing  and  publishing  the 
paper  brought  much  of  pleasiire  as  well  as  hardships. 
It  opened  the  doors  of  three  hundred  and  forty-five 
lodges  and  gave  the  writer  an  honorable  reception  among 
people  of  distant  States  where  one  law  governs  all,  and 
that  was  the  law  of  our  Fraternity. 

Unavoidable  circumstances  made  it  necessary  for  the 
writer  to  surrender  the  Register,  with  all  its  interests, 
into  the  hands  of  Past  Grand  Representative  Wm.  H. 
Smith,  its  legal  and  rightful  owner.  The  changes  and 
success  that  have  come  to  it  under  its  new  management 


BINDING    OF   THE   LINKS.  123 

are  better  known  and  told  by  those  who  now  de- 
vote their  thiie  and  ability  to  its  publication.  That  it 
should  receive  a  large  support,  there  can  be  no  question, 
where  there  are  thousands  of  Odd  Fellows  in  New  Eng- 
land, with  no  other  journal  devoted  to  the  interests  of 
the  Order  published  within  its  border. 

CLOSE   OP   THE  PILGRIMAGE. 

Thoughts  of  the  past  crowd  the  mind  of  the  writer  as 
he  draws  toward  the  closing  pages  of  this  book.  The 
past  can  never  be  recalled.  There  is  much  in  the  pres- 
ent life  of  our  noble  Order  to  inspire  the  soul  of  its 
members  to  laudable  zeal  in  promoting  benevolence  and 
fraternity,  which  are  the  solid  rocks  upon  which  the 
superstructure  has  securely  rested  during  the  past 
seventy  years  of  its  existence  in  America. 

The  present  and  future  prosperity  of  the  Order  de- 
pends upon  the  united  efforts  of  those  who  have  enrolled 
their  names  among  its  membership. 

If  the  great  and  important  interests  which  especially 
belong  to  Odd  Fellowship  are  neglected  or  left  to  take 
care  of  themselves,  decay  and  dissolution  are  sure  to  fol- 
low ;  but  there  is  no  danger  that  so  great  and  good  an 
institution  will  be  deserted,  fall  into  disrepute,  or  pass 
into  obscurity.  The  thoughts  of  what  the  Order  has 
been,  or  what  it  now  is,  do  not  exercise  the  mind  of  the 
writer  so  much  as  what  it  may  be.  This  creates  an  al- 
most resistless  desire  to  lift  the  curtain  which  shuts  out 
the  future,  to  catch  a  glimpse  of  its  magnitude  and  in- 
fluence in  the  world  thirty  years  hence,  on  that  day 
when  the  sons  and  daughters  of  every  tongue  and  creed 
will  raise  their  voices  in  songs  and  loud  rejoicings  over 
its  triumphant  progress. 


124  BINDING    OF    THE    LINKS. 

The  writer  sees  before  him,  in  imagination,  one  of  the 
grandest  pictures  which  it  is  possible  for  an  artist  to 
paint  of  the  demonstrations  that  will  be  made  in  honor 
of  the  centennial  of  Odd  Fellowship,  April  26,  1919. 
Who  will  take  part  in  that  notal)le  event  ?  "  The  days 
of  our  years  are  three  score  and  ten,  and  if  by  reason  of 
strength  they  be  four  score,  the  years  will  be  full  of  pain 
and  sorrow."  With  such  truthful  teachings  before  us, 
we  are  assured  that  the  chance  of  a  large  per  cent,  of  the 
members  of  the  Order  having  part  or  share  in  that 
auspicious  event  are  daily  and  hourly  diminishing. 

These  thoughts  ought  not  to  cast  a  gloom  over  the 
minds  of  those  who  have  been  long  and  faithful  workers 
in  the  Order,  l)ut  should  inspire  them  with  new  interest 
and  earnest  effort  to  benefit  the  Order  by  precept  and 
example  during  the  remainder  of  their  days.  They 
should  strive  to  rid  it  of  everything  injurious  or  offen- 
sive, build  up  its  waste  places,  enlarge  its  borders,  and 
strengthen  its  protectings,  labor  to  bring  Avithin  its 
fold  young  men  possessing  high  moral  character,  large 
business  experience  and  intellectual  endowment.  Then 
there  will  be  no  cause  to  fear  that  all  its  future  anni- 
versary days  will  not  be  regularly  and  properly  honored. 
Odd  Fellowship  is  the  exponent  of  noble  and  humane 
principles — broad,  deep  and  strong,  able  to  withstand 
the  revolutions  of  religious  or  political  creeds  and  the 
ever-changing  opinions  of  men. 

CLOSING    WORDS. 

Reader !  our  work  is  finished.  We  part,  it  may  be, 
never  more  to  meet  in  this  life.  The  desire  of  the  writer 
is  that  the  "binding  of  the  links"  may  unite  us  more 


BINDING    OF    THE   LINKS.  125 

closely  ill  the  bonds  of  universal  brotherhood,  and  when 
our  sun  goes  down,  it  shall  not  become  obscured  behind 
the  darkened  clouds,  but  shine  forth  in  refulgent  bright- 
ness in  that  better  and  purer  life  beyond.     Brothers, 

"Goodnight!  and  as  yoii  go, 
Bear  hence  and  fully  show 
Stamped  on  your  breasts, 
The  seal  of  Friendship  pure,  . 
And  Love  through  life  endure, 
And  Truth  which  still  secure 
With  honor  rests." 


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. 


The  author  takes  pleasure  in  making  special  mention 
of  the  fo]h)wing  l)rothers  and  IViends  who  have  kiiidly 
assisted  him  in  placing  his  l)ook  before  the  public. 
Their  encouraging  words  embodied  deeds  which  moved 
the  arm  that  set  the  press  in  motion : 

Captain  William  H.  Austin  of  Canton  Columbian, 
Patriarchs  Militant,  and  P.  G.  of  Eagle  Lodge,  North 
Berwick,  Maine ;  Past  Grand  Owen  E.  Blackden  of 
Carrabasset  Lodge,  Skowhegan,  Proprietor  of  Lancey 
House,  Pittsfield,  Maine;  Past  Grand  J.  M.  Peck,  of 
Maine  Lodge,  No.  1,  Photo,  artist,  Portland,  Me. ;  Mr. 
Robert  Rexdale,  author  of  "Drifting"  and  "Saved  by 
the  Sword  ;  "  editors  and  publishers  of  daily  and  weekly 
papers  throughout  the  State  for  kind  notices  of  the  work. 


i 


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This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


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